Houma Police officer engages local youth through basketball

Ernest Joseph Sapia

December 6, 2020

Terrebonne Booking Log: 12/07/2020

December 7, 2020

It’s not rare for officer Daron Lewis to be seen engaging with children in the area, whether it’s him just having a conversation with them or playing a pickup game.

But it was the first time he was posted in the popular Facebook group Da “Buzz,” which resulted in him receiving an outpouring of support from the local community.

“Thanks for entertaining those kids and being a role model for them,” wrote one commenter. “This is how mutual respect is built, well done Officer Lewis,” wrote another member of Da “Buzz.”

In the video posted by Ray Billiot, Lewis can be seen grabbing rebounds, sinking shots and dishing out assists at the court near the East Houma Gym.

“It’s pretty tough with 30 pounds of gear on, but I tried to make it look easy,” Lewis laughed. “They gave me a run for my money out there.”

The Chicago native highlighted the importance of police officers being involved in the community they serve.

“It’s important for the people to get to know the officers in a different light. Whenever I go speak to grown folks and children alike, I just try to make sure is that when they see the police, they don’t always associate us with a negative experience,” said Lewis, who has been with the Houma Police Department for a little over a year and a half.

“We can still come out here, service the community and teach life lessons, but it ain’t gotta be through law and order,” he continued. “We’re trying to make a difference in the community in any way we can.”