- February 7, 2025
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OBPD officers and Riverbend Academy's kickball team for Back the Blue pose for a photo after the game on Friday, Nov. 10. Photos by Jarleene Almenas
Students surround VCSO's Air One during the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Chief Security Officer Soard and Officer Kavanaugh sit on the bleachers before the kickball game at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
The OBPD kickball team smiles before the game at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
OBPD Chief Jesse Godfrey was the pitcher for the game during the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Cpl. Borzner watches over a Riverbend Academy student who made it to first base during the game at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Officer Chris Roos delivers a hard kick during the game at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Officer Chris Roos runs for first base during the game at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Officer Jay Brennan prepares to kick during the game at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Officer Jay Brennan waits as his teammates give him the chance to run to second base during the game at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
A Riverbend student kicks the ball as her teammates watch at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Officer Kavanaugh remains alert during the game at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Chief Jesse Godfrey pitches a ball to a student at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
A Riverbend student runs to first base after a successful kick at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Chief Security Officer Soard runs back to home base at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
A student passionately cheers OBPD on at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Cpl. Garner's socks stood out during the game at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Students cheer the officers on during the game at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
A student prepares to kick the ball at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Chief Jesse Godfrey instructs his team at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Cpl. Garner cheers during the game at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Chief Jesse Godfrey pitches a ball at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Officer Keith Walker smiles as he catches a ball at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Officer Keith Walker and Chief Jesse Godfrey joke on the field at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
A thin blue line flag wavs in the air at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Officer Jay Brennan makes a run for second base at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
Officers and students pray together after game at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
The Chick-fil-A cow made an appearance at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
A student passionately yells "fire in the hole!" as a bomb safely detonates across the field at the Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy on Friday, Nov 10.
The Back the Blue event at Riverbend Academy was a "blast" for officers and students alike.
Riverbend Academy students spent some time with local law enforcement at the school's third-annual Back the Blue event on Friday, Nov. 10.
From witnessing an Air One landing on their own campus to watching a bomb detonate across the field, the students were able to see and hear about some of the duties of deputies and police officers thanks to participation by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Ormond Beach Police Department and Volusia County Beach Patrol.
Alesha Richmond, Riverbend Academy's marketing and development director, said they hope one of the activities available during the event will inspire some of their students to pursue a career in law enforcement.
“We want to support our officers, especially in times when they are not being supported," Richmond said. "We want to instill in our students a love and appreciation for law enforcement and we want to honor them today.”
OBPD faced off a number of Riverbend Academy's 7th-12th graders in a friendly game of kickball. Despite a stumbling start, OBPD reigned victorious with a close win of 7-6 after six innings — not that the students minded. Many of the younger ones cheered OBPD on throughout the game.
For Richmond, seeing all the officers in attendance, many of which volunteered their time to participate in Riverbend Academy's event, is a testament of their dedication to their community.
“This is how much law enforcement loves schools," Richmond said. "They love the community so much that they come out even when they’re not on duty.”
