Pulled Over For Doing Good

Oskaloosa Police Chief Benjamin Boeke smiles as someone is rewarded for doing good in the community.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – It is that moment of panic when flashing lights appear in your rearview mirror. Your mind races: What did I do? Was I speeding? Did I run a stop sign?

Oskaloosa Police Chief Benjamin Boeke spoke about those looks of confusion turned to smiles as William Penn Athletic Director Nik Rule and Cam Shade would present the driver with a reward for doing good things. “We should be doing more of that in this community, and we’re going to start,” said Boeke.

“Nik Rule and I came up with this opportunity,” said Boeke of the partnership developed with Rule and William Penn University.

Rule was rewarding those good deeds with Osky Bucks and tickets to William Penn University athletic events.

On being on the other side of the flashing lights, Rule says “it’s been a whole other experience being on the inside and knowing how everyone feels.”

“Chief and I met a few months ago and we thought, what can we do to partner together. We really feel strongly about the relationship between William Penn and the community,” added Rule. “How do we get past some of the perceptions.”

“Now we’re out here pulling people over for doing positive things,” said Rule. “There’s a lot of negativity going on in the world, so how can we change the narrative and make some things positive. That’s what we’re doing today.”

Rule said they are getting many different reactions from individuals, ranging from concern, fear, “but in the end, everyone’s smiling and that’s cool.”

Shade, William Penn University Association of Student-Athletes, said, “We’re here to inspire change and make a difference in the community. This is the perfect opportunity, for us as students, minorities and different ages, just to get a better feel that all cops are really not bad. They look out for us and support us.”