When Walnut Sheriff's Station Lt. John Saleeby isn't on the job, he can often be found on the soccer field coaching pre-teen and teen girls.
Saleeby, who most recently coached the Minions, a girls under 14 team that is part of AYSO's Walnut Region 624, said that while what he does on the field is important to the youth he mentors, it is all made possible through the sponsorship from local businesses.
On Wednesday, he delivered framed photos of the team to Airsoft GI, Bob's Towing, California Coach, and Caliber Collision as a thank you.
He made a call to businesses in town seeking backup, and the sponsors came through, Saleeby said.
Pizza, ice cream, and Starbucks nights, as well as a barbecue and pool party and a slumber party for the team were made possible because of donations from the businesses.
"It's all about creating memories in these girls' minds," Saleeby said. "They will go away with a different perspective on law enforcement and a different perspective on life."
At the Valley Boulevard Sheriff's Station on Wednesday, Airsoft GI representatives came by to pick up their framed photo.
Saleeby said for three years he has reached out to the business community for sponsors and Airsoft GI owner Walter Chang has donated to Saleeby's teams each year.
Daniel Jaimez with Airsoft GI said that owner Chang gives to several causes including the Wounded Warrior Project and a recent Rowland Heights toy giveaway for children in need.
"Walter has always been big in supporting the community," Jaimez said.
Bob Hildebrand, also from Airsoft, said Chang's desire to support community causes is similar to what he sees with the Sheriff's Department.
"I really haven't seen law enforcement work as closely with the community as these guys," he said.
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