“Serve and Protect” brings pickleball and public safety together

The Utah County Sheriff’s Office Eagle Mountain division is inviting the public to join them for a morning of pickleball and community connection during a new event called “Serve and Protect.”

Held this Saturday, May 17, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the pickleball courts at Cory B. Wride Memorial Park, the event is designed to bring deputies and residents together in a relaxed setting—paddles in hand and barriers down.

“Serve and Protect” will feature rotating pickleball games where residents can partner with or compete against deputies. With multiple courts available, games can be tailored to different skill levels, making the event accessible to players of all ages and abilities.

Deputy Michael Chidester, who proposed the idea, said the goal is to foster better relationships between the Sheriff’s Office and the community it serves.

“A lot of the time when people see us, it’s in stressful or emergency situations,” Chidester said. “This gives us a chance to connect on neutral ground—to just be people, playing a game, having fun. That kind of interaction can really build trust.”

Chidester noted that pickleball’s rising popularity made it a natural fit for a community engagement event. The sport is fast-paced but easy to learn, creating a friendly environment for conversation and connection.

“We’re excited to just be out there and meet residents in a different way,” he said.

In addition to the games, deputies hope to share information about public safety programs and crime prevention tips in Eagle Mountain. If there’s strong community interest, the division is considering making the event a recurring part of the summer schedule.

“We’d love to turn this into something we can host every couple of weeks,” Chidester added. “It’s a simple thing, but it makes a big impact.”

The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to stop by, and bring their own paddle. Spectators are welcome, and deputies will be available to answer questions and chat with families throughout the event.