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One of the reasons Mark Thomas became a police officer was to foster ties between the force and the community. He'll put that goal into action next week when he hosts the Stamford Police Dept.'s First Annual Youth Football Camp. The mini-camp will run Monday through Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. It is free and open to local youths 10 to 18.
In addition to teaching gridiron techniques, the camp will focus on character-building qualities such as "leadership, working together and being unselfish," says Officer Mark. "It's okay to be a good athlete, but if you don't have good character, I don't care who you are," he says.
Officer Mark grew up in Stamford around family, coaches and neighborhood influences that helped build his own character and encourage his aspirations. "I always saw police officers in a positive light, and my parents knew a lot of officers in town," he says about his lifelong desire to join the force. He's been with the Stamford Police Dept. for 16 years.
"I like to have a strong relationship with the Police Dept. and the community," he says. "To reach people in the community, you have to start at a young age."
Officer Mark also has nurtured a love of sports. He played football in high school and college, and has coached for the past 29 years. A couple of his former players, now professionals, will speak at the camp. They'll join Officer Mark and several other coaches in leading sessions.
The camp is sponsored by the Stamford Police Foundation. To register, call Officer Mark at (203) 536-7184. Participants may also sign up one-half hour before camp begins each day.
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