Forty years ago, a tradition was born in the Motor City in which Detroit police officers from every precinct mentored kids in a basketball league. Unfortunately, the tradition fouled out over the years until local law enforcement professionals recently revived it.

In addition to coaching the kids, first responders from multiple agencies, including the Michigan State Police and Detroit DEA agents, challenged each other to a game of hoops and invited kids and families to watch.

“All too often the only time someone engages with law enforcement is when something unfortunate is happening. But [with] an event like this … we can get together, shoot some hoops and just talk,” DEA Public Information Officer Brian McNeal told the local CBS affiliate.

“The purpose of this league truly is to keep kids safe and away from violence. They get to see that we partner with everyone and we’re one community,” Detroit Police Sergeant Bryant George added.