C-SC criminal justice students to honor fallen heroes at annual Fallen Officer Project Saturday

CANTON, Mo. — The Culver-Stockton criminal justice program will host the annual Fallen Officer Project on Saturday, April 12, in the Mabee Sports Complex Gym with a pickleball tournament. This tournament is open to C-SC students, staff and faculty.

Participants can play pickleball while paying tribute to law enforcement officers and firefighters who have lost their life in the line of duty. The cost to participate is $20 per team, with a limit of 20 teams. Money raised or donations received during the tournament will benefit two organizations: Supporting Heroes, Inc. and Michigan Urban Youth Alliance organizations.

Supporting Heroes, Inc. is focused on serving family members of fallen first responders to create relationships amid tragedy. Michigan Urban Youth Alliance promotes community policing initiatives with inner-city youth.

The pickleball tournament is a culmination of the 12-week course entitled “In the Line of Duty,” which teaches students historical, emotional and interpersonal skills to understand further the commitment first responders make when taking an oath as professionals.

Seth McBride, senior lecturer in criminal justice at Culver-Stockton College, teaches the course. He said the objective is to recognize the fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

In a press release, McBride said, “The content covered in this course, and the conversations that take place throughout the 12-week semester, will push students outside of their comfort zone. We are asking college students to create connections with someone who has tragically lost a loved one in the line of duty. These difficult conversations and the relationships that result from them will prepare the minds of our students for the trajectory of their career.”

For more information regarding the Fallen Officer Project, contact Seth McBride at smcbride@culver.edu.