Kainen Flynn Fishing Derby

The Gilford Police Relief Association will hold its third annual Officer Kainen M. Flynn Memorial Fishing Derby at the Gunstock Recreation Area on Saturday, May 13, beginning at 8 a.m. and closing at 2 p.m.

More than 300 children have wet a line in each of the first two derbies. The pond will be brimming with freshly stocked trout and prizes will be awarded to the top five anglers in each of three age groups — under 7, 7 to 11 and 12 to 15. Everyone who participates will go home with T-shirt and a sack full of surprises. Members of the New Hampshire Marine Patrol and Fish & Game Department will be on hand to help police officers teach and promote safety on the water.

The derby is open to all children fifteen years old and younger without charge. All participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who will be responsible for them throughout the derby. Anglers should bring their own fishing tackle — poles, line, hooks and sinkers (no lead) — and bait will be supplied, but there will be some poles and tackle available for those who need them.

Registration closes on Wednesday, May 10. To register on-line go to "www.gilfordpd.org" or call Corporal Kristian Kelly at the Gilford Police department, 527-4737.

The fishing derby honors the career of Kainen M. Flynn, a keen outdoors man and keen angler, who worked closely with young people during his spell with the Gilford Police Department. Flynn was lost on June 4, 2003 after falling from his boat on Lake Winnisquam while doing what he loved, fishing. By fishing alone without wearing his life jacket, Flynn left a lesson for all, which his fellow officers seek to share with others by encouraging safety on the water in hopes of preventing other tragedies like the one that struck their department.

The Gilford Police Relief Association will plow any and all proceeds from the event back into the community, primarily through the Gilford D.A.R.E. program.