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Buffalo Police rookies stepping in the ring to help mentor city youth

Posted at 5:40 PM, Jan 23, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-23 19:19:35-05

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A boxing gym on Leroy Avenue in Buffalo is getting a big boost by some of Buffalo’s Finest.

Two rookie Buffalo police officers have stepped up to become mentors for some of the younger fighters in the gym.

William Miller, Jr. has been working out at the Bomb Squad Boxing Academy since he was 13.

“It’s always been a part of my life,” he said. “So, to be able to work with the youth and show them we have positive role models who want to work along side them and show them there's positive police officers out there who want to help them, encourage them, inspire them to do greater things, and motivate them.”

It’s a grueling workout that had most people dripping in sweat after the warm up.

It can be exerting it can be tiresome but I’m working alongside them… going through the work, going through the battles, it's hard work.”

That hard work and discipline is exactly what coach Terry Williams who owns the Academy is hoping to instill in the youth.

A banner hangs on the walls of the gym that says “Guns down, gloves up.”

“I said ‘Wow’ - these police officers are in the gym, they're good mentors, they're showing something positive that they are doing the same thing that they are doing,” said Coach Terry. “Being here, and a couple of them they want to fight, they want to train, they want to work out -- and I know they're busy protecting Buffalo, New York, but they want to come here and give something back and I appreciate that.”

Buffalo councilman Ulysees Wingo has been a long-time supporter of the gym and its mission.

“I think this is a necessity in the community over here,” he said. “Redirect the energy of our young folks to something that's constructive, something that will build integrity and character, something that would also help them with their discipline.”