Golfing with a cop? “Driver” license not required.

The Maricopa Police Foundation is swinging into action with its first-ever golf tournament fundraiser at The Duke at Rancho El Dorado. The Saturday morning affair will fund its outreach events and officer expenses.

Tee time is set for 7 a.m. on Sept. 23, where golfers in Maricopa can get to know officers during 18 holes of play. Even famed K-9 officer Karma is making an appearance.

Chris Cahall, vice president of the foundation’s board of directors, said most people only interact with police during traffic stops or service calls. This is a chance to see an officer’s off-the-clock personality.

“One of the benefits of attending an event like this is you get to interact with officers and other emergency personnel outside of those situations,” he said. “We have to remember that police officers are everyday, regular people like us.”

Scratch golfers can vie for prizes including $1,000 cash, trophies, gift certificates and other goodies.

Donations the event generates through team registration and sponsorships will help support the non-profit’s programs, like its annual Shop with a Cop held each December.

“Shop with a Cop is our biggest event,” Cahall said. “It’s a chance for children to do Christmas shopping and have a positive interaction with officers outside of a service call.”

The foundation also assists in non-budgeted expenses for officers, such as supplemental equipment or even replacing damaged uniforms.

The organization is still looking for teams and sponsors. For more information or to register, visit the foundation’s website or Facebook page.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR