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Chacko’s Family Bowling held the first-ever Bowl-A-Thon for W-B and Kingston tactical forces.

Kyra Krzywicki, 6, of Kingston, has her nails painted by Leah Malesinski from Beauty Above the Beast salon, Sunday, at the Kops N Kids Bowl-A-Thon.

FRED ADAMS/THE TIMES LEADER

WILKES-BARRE – Kids mingled with cartoon favorites Pooh Bear and Elmo while the Wilkes-Barre and Kingston police departments’ tactical units received a financial boost Sunday afternoon.
After learning members of that Kingston Police Department’s tactical unit had to purchase their own vests and gear, Kara Chacko, event manager for Chacko’s Family Bowling center, developed the first annual Kops N Kids Bowl-A-Thon during the Bowling Blast Off at her family-owned bowling alley.
Both departments’ units are part-time divisions redeveloped in the last two years as the officers also maintain duties as patrolmen, sergeant or lieutenant.
After a 10-year hiatus, Kingston’s tactical unit was reformed after the drug unit was reinstated two years ago, Chief Keith Keiper said.
“We use them every time our drug unit wants to get into a house,” he said. “We do demonstrations at the school to show the kids what it’s all about.”
Keiper wants to purchase more helmets, vests and shields so each officer will have their own tactical outfit.
Wilkes-Barre Police Department purchased each team member their own body armor and weapons, according to Sgt. Joe Novak, a member of the department’s Emergency Service Unit.
“Typically we use money from something like this for personal protective equipment – impact glasses, gloves, knee pads – small ticket items that enhances our protection,” he said.
Chacko declared the first annual event a complete success as bowlers packed all the center’s 40 lanes. Each five-member team paid $125 registration fee. Money was also raised as patrons paid $2 for a live concert by eight local bands.
Not an avid bowler, Mountain Top resident Suzy Schutter participated as a show of support for a friend.
“One of my co-workers is involved,” Schutter said.
“Her husband, her father and grandfather were all members of a police force. We are here to support them.”
Children also raised money for the officers as they got their hair dyed metallic purple or pink with washable spray, or their fingernails painted for a nominal fee.
The event also hoped to raise awareness of each tactical team’s duties.
“We really want people to realize not to be afraid of police, fire or emergency service personnel,” Chacko said.
“We want them to feel a bond with them. They are here to serve you, not get you.”
It was unknown exactly how much was raised, but Chacko was hoping for at least $5,000.
Organizers said the event would continue to be held in late July for years to come.

“We really want people to realize not to be afraid of police, fire or emergency service personnel.”

Kara Chacko

Event manager