Fountain Valley football players and police officers work out together to build trust

Sounds of extreme exertion and weights dropping emanated from Fountain Valley High School’s weight room Tuesday as football players and police officers worked to forge a stronger relationship.

Barons football Coach Ray Fenton invited a few Fountain Valley officers to work out with the junior varsity and varsity squads during their last week of summer football camp as a way to build trust and let the teens know that they can turn to police for help and guidance.

“We expect our guys to be leaders on campus and in the community and to partner with other leaders in the community, including the Police Department,” Fenton said.

Tuesday morning’s practice was an hour’s worth of bench presses, with the 70 players trying to push themselves to the limit. Fenton said he picked this particular exercise to put the officers in the athletes’ shoes.

“Maybe we’ll spot them and they’ll spot us,” said Fenton, as his players encouraged one another before each rep. “That really builds a partnership instead of talking about one. We’re building more than just muscles in the weight room. We’re building a relationship with some great people.”

Representing Fountain Valley police were Capt. Kevin Childe and motorcycle officers Jerome Cheatham and A.J. Knight. The three safety officials cheered on the players as they tried to bench as much as 300 pounds that morning.

Childe, who has been with the department for 25 years, said this is the first time the agency has done this sort of activity with an athletic team.

“[Coach Fenton] is very big on building character. There’s much more than just playing football,” Childe said. “He’s trying to develop young men to be great out in the community.”

Varsity player Kent Swift said it is inspiring to see the officers working out with the team and feels good knowing that the department is there to support them.

After the hourlong workout, Childe, 51, opened up to the players about his rough upbringing, telling them he did not let hurdles get in his way.

“All of you have different circumstances,” he said. “Not once did I ever use an excuse.”

Childe encouraged the students to show up early to practice, work as a team and be wise about their decisions in life. The captain also offered his help if ever one of the players needed it.

“Hopefully we will get to know each other a little better, invest in each other and trust each other,” he said. “I’m committed to every one of you. If you ever need anything, any time, call my Police Department and you say that Capt. Childe just said to call if we need help any time.”