David Bowers (left) with Curtis Mozie.

Members of PSA 308 volunteered for another summer of “midnight basketball.” PSA Lieutenant Ralph Neal once again put on a summer youth program designed to keep high-risk young people from getting caught up in street life.

Officers Hardy Mervilus and Larry Brooks of PSA 308 had other offi cers from 3D volunteer to play basketball against the neighborhood kids to show that officers patrolling their neighborhoods enjoy sports like they do.

The event was at the Kennedy Recreation Center on 7th Street, NW. The program started with guest speakers who included Lynette Collins from the DC Offi ce of the Attorney General, Jackie Khallid from the Job Corps, David Bowers from No Murders DC, Curtis “C Webb” Mozie, and coordinator and police coach Hardy Mervilus. Officers who volunteered that night included Maurice Scott, Larry Brooks, Earl Thompson, and Tandria Greene.

Some of the basketball action at Kennedy Rec Center.

After the kids ate pizza, the game started. MPDC played two fi fteen-minute games. The kids beat MPDC in both games, but in the spirit of competition, everyone congratulated each
other for a good game. “It’s important that these kids have something to do while the crime emergency is going on,” Neal said. “especially [since] the 10 PM curfew [is] in effect.” Lt. Neal was accompanied by his wife, Melody, and daughter, Melonique.