WHO WE ARE
In April of 2015, the idea of starting a Police Activities League was presented to Tracy Police Department command staff and in August, the project was “green-lighted.” Lt. Kami Ysit and Officer Charles Baker began formulating the Ancillary Position and Cadre which was announced department wide in May of 2016. This resulted in the establishment of the first Tracy TPAL Cadre which consisted of Cpl. Dan Pasquale, Officer Baker, and Officer Steve Clayton.
In October of 2016, an Inaugural Tracy PAL Community leadership meeting convened, including directors from Tracy Parks and Rec, Tracy Public Works, Jefferson School District, TUSD, Tracy City Council, and HACSJ. One month later, the First Executive Board was established as follows: Peter Carlson-President; Dan Pasquale-Vice President; Rhodesia Ransom-Sergeant at Arms; Tracy Jackson-Treasurer; and Charles Baker-Secretary.
The first four months of 2017 were a whirlwind of activity. The organization established itself as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the logo was developed, and the Constitution and by-laws were ratified. A donation of $25,000 was given via the Asset Forfeiture fund from the Tracy PD and in May, 2017, the first Annual Donut Dash was kicked off, originally attached to the annual Tracy PD Safety Fair.
During this time, research was being conducted by Officer Baker as to how best serve the community at that time. Surveys were conducted of the TPD and in the community, trips were made to other established PAL programs in the Central Valley and the Bay area.
In October of 2016, an Inaugural Tracy PAL Community leadership meeting convened, including directors from Tracy Parks and Rec, Tracy Public Works, Jefferson School District, TUSD, Tracy City Council, and HACSJ. One month later, the First Executive Board was established as follows: Peter Carlson-President; Dan Pasquale-Vice President; Rhodesia Ransom-Sergeant at Arms; Tracy Jackson-Treasurer; and Charles Baker-Secretary.
The first four months of 2017 were a whirlwind of activity. The organization established itself as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the logo was developed, and the Constitution and by-laws were ratified. A donation of $25,000 was given via the Asset Forfeiture fund from the Tracy PD and in May, 2017, the first Annual Donut Dash was kicked off, originally attached to the annual Tracy PD Safety Fair.
During this time, research was being conducted by Officer Baker as to how best serve the community at that time. Surveys were conducted of the TPD and in the community, trips were made to other established PAL programs in the Central Valley and the Bay area.
Officer Baker attended the 47th Annual CALPAL Conference. The Executive Board landed on two guiding principles; do something no one else was doing so Tracy PAL did not compete with other area youth organizations, and secondly, to do one thing and do it well.
After much discussion, the Board agreed to start the Tracy PAL Boxing Club and in June of 2017, Tracy PAL joined CALPAL, and USA Boxing. The first team met behind the Tracy PD at the American Stryker Gym from 3:30-5:30 PM for a year. This proved to be very popular with the Tracy community which had a large Hispanic segment of the community and boxing is traditionally popular with that population.
Board member Tracy Jackson was approached by HACSJ Executive Director Peter Ragsdale about donating space for the gym and a year later, on August 15, 2018, a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was conducted at 311 West Street, Tracy, CA. It was well attended by local dignitaries, Congressman Jeff Denham and a representative of Senator Kathleen Galgiani’s office.
The Tracy PAL has sponsored several Junior Giants Baseball and Softball teams, motorcycle Poker Runs, and of course, has continued to conduct the Donut Dash. They look forward to establishing the mentoring program in future endeavors, possibly to include a Cross Fit Team, a Running Club, and maybe even a future Flag Football league!
After much discussion, the Board agreed to start the Tracy PAL Boxing Club and in June of 2017, Tracy PAL joined CALPAL, and USA Boxing. The first team met behind the Tracy PD at the American Stryker Gym from 3:30-5:30 PM for a year. This proved to be very popular with the Tracy community which had a large Hispanic segment of the community and boxing is traditionally popular with that population.
Board member Tracy Jackson was approached by HACSJ Executive Director Peter Ragsdale about donating space for the gym and a year later, on August 15, 2018, a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was conducted at 311 West Street, Tracy, CA. It was well attended by local dignitaries, Congressman Jeff Denham and a representative of Senator Kathleen Galgiani’s office.
The Tracy PAL has sponsored several Junior Giants Baseball and Softball teams, motorcycle Poker Runs, and of course, has continued to conduct the Donut Dash. They look forward to establishing the mentoring program in future endeavors, possibly to include a Cross Fit Team, a Running Club, and maybe even a future Flag Football league!
OUR MISSION
“The PAL program in Tracy exists to create opportunities for our community’s youth to interact with officers and supporters of the Tracy PD in positive learning environments for the following purposes: to prevent our youth from making negative life decisions, to foster youth leadership, to establish lifelong healthy habits, and to instill a vision in the youth of our community for their future lives, their families, and their community.”
WE WILL ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION BY DOING THE FOLLOWING:
- Proactively create opportunities for kids to positively interact with police officers. This will be accomplished through one-time events, and ongoing, regular interaction through a boxing program, etc.
- Expose kids to encouraging environments they might not otherwise have access to. Kids respond to encouragement much faster than discouragement so we will endeavor to build the kids up.
- Help kids to prevent bad choices so they can realize they control their future. We will model a positive lifestyle and mentor the kids to make good choices so they have more opportunities in life.
- Foster leadership characteristics to be used in their respective environments. Each child in our program will be encouraged to develop their own leadership style to serve them in their respective circles.
- Establish healthy habits which will follow them through life. Using our influence and contacts we will boost their ability to live an abundant life free of unhealthy encumbrances such as drug abuse and gang life.
- Inspire kids to have a vision for their life, to reach beyond their experiences. Our ultimate goal is to support them as they enter adulthood through college, the military, a trade school, or the workforce.
It is our aim to work together with the child’s parents/guardians and their school to do all we can to ensure a successful life.
- The Tracy Police Activities League Executive Board.