2026 Putting with Police
2026 Putting with Police photos by Scott Moss. Special thanks to Scott Moss Magical Memories Photography LLC – www.magicalmemoriesphotos.com/.
First Tee – Greater Akron’s 9th Annual Putting with Police Sets Attendance Record
Event draws 553 guests, including 421 youth, for a day of golf, community, and connection with law enforcement
AKRON, Ohio (June 11, 2026) – First Tee – Greater Akron welcomed 553 guests to Mud Run Golf Course on June 12 for its 9th Annual Law Enforcement Education Day, known as Putting with Police, setting a new attendance record in the event’s nine-year history. Of those in attendance, 421 were children and teenagers from across the Greater Akron community.
The free event brings young people and law enforcement officers together through the game of golf, with the goal of building trust, fostering positive relationships, and creating shared experiences that bridge the gap between youth and the officers who serve their communities.
“This event exists for one reason: to build trust between young people and law enforcement,” said Jeff O’Brien, CEO of First Tee – Greater Akron. “Days like Thursday remind us why that work matters.”
Participants enjoyed time on the driving range, putting green, and golf cart rides alongside officers from nine agencies. The afternoon also featured pizza, Kona Ice, ice cream, a DJ, a magician, a gaming truck, a dunk tank, and airbrush tattoos.
Law Enforcement Representation
Nine law enforcement agencies were represented on the course: Akron Police, Bath Police, Copley Police, Cuyahoga Falls Police, Fairlawn Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Springfield Police, Summa Health Police, and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, along with Akron Fire Department.
Community Partners & Elected Officials
The event drew participation from the Cleveland Cavs, Cleveland Monsters, Cleveland Charge, University of Akron Football, and Girl Scouts. Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich, Clerk of Courts Tavia Galonski, Councilpersons Tina Boyes and Mark Greer, City of Akron Chief of Public Safety Craig Morgan, and University of Akron mascot Zippy were also in attendance.
Community groups bringing youth to the event included South Street Ministries, City of Akron Community Centers, Salvation Army, Because He Cares, Shaw JCC, Akron Inner City Soccer Club, Hope & Elevation Behavioral Health, Cascade Village YMCA, Westminster YMCA, YMCA Family Enrichment Center, Before The Crowning, GoalGetta Academy, and Childtime.
Sponsors & Volunteers
Putting with Police was made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Kaulig Giving, Support Sponsors BFG Federal Credit Union, Rotary Club of Akron, and Akron Bar Foundation, Ice Cream Sponsor Huntington National Bank, and Pizza Sponsor DeCheco’s Pizzeria.
Volunteer support was provided by GPD Group, Tiretown Charities, and Kaulig Companies.
“We are deeply grateful to every sponsor, volunteer, and partner who made this day possible,” O’Brien added. “This is what community looks like.”
As the event enters its tenth year, First Tee – Greater Akron looks forward to continuing to grow this one-of-a-kind community tradition.
2026 Putting with Police photos by First Tee – Greater Akron