Gainesville officer plays basketball with kids in DeLand

Officer Bobby White visits DeLand; kids receive new basketball hoop

Courtesy: Volusia County Sheriff's Office

DeLAND, Fla. – The Volusia County Sheriff's Office said it had a visit Thursday from Gainesville police Officer Bobby White, who is working to donate new or lightly used basketball hoops to neighborhoods where kids need them.

Jamarion and Jaydon received a new hoop in DeLand, deputies said. When a Volusia County deputy went to the neighborhood Thursday evening, Jamarion came running and waving.

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Jamarion told deputies he decided he wants to be a cop when he grows up. Deputies said he was shooting baskets with two 14-year-olds who came to try out the new rim.

"These things bring people together and make communities stronger, and we are proud to join Officer White in promoting #‎HoopsNotCrime," the Sheriff's Office said.

White made headlines when a video of him responding to a noise complaint in an inner-city neighborhood.

White did not scold the boys for noise made from playing basketball; instead, he picked up a ball and began playing with them. The dashcam video was posted and went viral, receiving more than 14 million views.

White and the nine boys he played basketball with were invited to watch the Orlando Magic take on the Atlanta Hawks.


About the Author:

Troy Blevins is a Digital Content Editor who has been with Graham Media Group since 2012.

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