Model behavior; Cops and clergy unite to help kids.

• Position: LOCAL NEWS

Byline: Kim Ring

The link among Worcester police, local clergy and inner-city kids is a "partnership made in heaven," Worcester police Sgt. John W. Lewis said.

And yesterday, heaven was the Bogey Lanes in East Brookfield, where children who participate in the Worcester Police Clergy Mentoring Program spent the afternoon bowling, playing pool, putting around the miniature golf course, and filling up on pizza and ice cream.

The program, in place since 2005, helps about 350 youngsters. A dozen officers spend several hours each week at area churches and community centers, helping with homework, playing sports and making connections that kids and cops don't typically share.

Clergy members work alongside the officers in a partnership that has seen grades go up, musical talents honed, athletes improve, and kids waving at passing cruisers.

"They're saving them spiritually and we're trying to save their lives," Sgt. Lewis said.

The students come from a variety of backgrounds, not all good. At the bowling lanes yesterday, a "cultural rainbow" of youths tossed balls at the pins and grinned at the officers whose uniforms clashed with the tri-colored bowling shoes.

One officer danced about while helping a small child learn to bowl. Others helped kids line up putts on the golf course. Officer Michael Kowalchek shot pool with a student and later entertained in a game against Officer Ngoc T. Vo. Officer Kowalchek lost - twice.

Though the program's grant-funded budget was cut and the officers' paid program hours were trimmed during the school year, Sgt. Lewis is hoping the program will be funded for more time during the summer. The warm weather, school vacation and a lack of things for kids to do brings problems, and keeping the youngsters involved helps.

George S. Filsaime, 12, comes from a single-parent home. He attends the police clergy program at the Salvation Army and admits he'd probably be out getting into trouble, if not for Officer Danny D. Diaz and the help he provides.

"His grades have gone up," Officer Diaz said. "He went to dirt bike camp last year."

The Salvation Army program also offered a chance to meet the New England Patriots at Christmastime and George will probably never forget coming face to face with Tom Brady, his favorite player.

The visit to East Brookfield is also fun for Bogey Lanes' owners Daniel and Amy Luksha, who watched the full house try their hand at some new games and handed out bowling shoes with smiles.

Police believe...