For Northwest Indiana Oilmen’s owner and President Don Popravak, it’s personal. In the wake of fatal shootings of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, La., Popravak thinks of his father who served as a Chicago police officer for 23 years.
“I can’t help but think of my father,” Popravak said. “I cringe seeing our officers being attacked and killed. So I wanted to find a way to do my part.”
In an effort to show support for local law enforcement, firefighters and other emergency responders in Northwest Indiana, the Oilmen will host First Responders Night on Friday as they host the DuPage County Hounds at 7:20 p.m. at Oil City Stadium in Whiting.
“I just wanted to find a way to say thank you to the men and women for what they do and how they protect our communities,” Popravak said. “We need to show our gratitude for their sacrifices and all that they do.”
Lake County Deputy Chief Dan Murchek said he thinks this will be a good opportunity for the police officers to get out in the community.
“Everyone will have the opportunity to shake some hands, say thank you and express appreciation,” Murchek said. “You don’t get rich being a first responder, it’s in your heart and blood. Serving the community is why you do it.”
Former East Chicago and Portage police Chief Mark Becker said one of the best ways to build community relationships is to go out and establish a rapport with the people they serve.
“This gives us a better chance to get to know each other and understand each other’s concerns and talk to each other on a calm level,” Becker said. “This is just an outstanding opportunity for police to meet with people in a nonthreatening situation which the officers will be inviting people to come up and express their concerns and talk more about the law enforcement profession and learn more about what police do day in and day out,” he said.
Ticket sales will be donated to the Special Olympics Indiana on behalf of the police officers and firefighters in Lake County, Popravak said.
Becker said the proceeds of the event couldn’t be going to a more worthy cause.
“There are many great causes out there, but this one certainly rose to the top,” Becker said. “A lot of first responders are familiar with Special Olympics and have donated time and effort to those events,” he said. “When it was brought up, it was really a no-brainer and a great way to give back to society. It’s certainly money well spent, that’s for sure.”
Schererville police Chief Dave Dowling said he commends the Oilmen organization for hosting the event and recognizing all of the first responders that serve their local communities.
“I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of my colleagues in law enforcement, firefighters, EMS people and people from across all of the communities in Northwest Indiana,” Dowling said. “I look forward to all of the organizations getting involved. It’ll be a great atmosphere that is great for our community.”
The public will have the opportunity to see the police and fire departments’ specialized units including Lake County SWAT, K-9, air rescue and the helicopter. The Lake County sheriff’s pipes and drums unit will provide pregame entertainment.
Becker said this is the perfect event to unite law enforcement, first responders and the community.
“There’s nothing more American than baseball and hot dogs,” he said.
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