IU fan aided by Purdue backer

A huge Purdue University fan recently helped bring a wonderful few moments to a huge Indiana University fan. The Decatur Police Department provided security for IU basketball Coach Mike Woodson in his recent appearance before the annual Gourmet Dinner fundraiser for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana. The security team consisted of Chief Leonard Corral Jr., Sgt. Luke Rumschlag, officer Gabe Schwaller and Reserve Captain John Summers. Since Summers was the only IU fan in the group, he drew the honor of driving Woodson to the Grand Wayne Center in downtown Fort Wayne. But it was Corral, who wears a big, gold “P” on his heart, who helped a longtime IU fan, community activist Larry Isch, spend a few moments with Woodson. “Big IU fan Larry Isch reached out to me asking if there was any way he could meet Coach Woodson after the event.,” the chief said recently. “John (Summers) and I made it happen. Seeing Larry with that big smile of his was very heart-warming. Coach talked to Larry for a bit and signed an autograph for him.” The Decatur officers picked up Woodson at the Bradley Hotel in downtown and took him to the Grand Wayne Convention Center. Big Brothers Big Sisters co-Director Michelle Schwab, a Decatur resident/native, made arrangements with Tom Kelley Chrysler in Decatur to supply the security crew with a 2022 Jeep Wagoneer. “Coach Woodson greeted officers in the hotel lobby. He thanked all of us for our service. Coach was very nice and personable,” Corral mentioned. At the event, the Decatur police provided security for Woodson in the VIP room, during the meet and greet time with guests and fans, and when he spoke to a large dinner crowd. “Afterward, we drove Coach Woodson and his assistant to the Fort Wayne airport,” Corral said. “Before leaving, Coach thanked us, signed some autographs, and took a group picture.” It was the 49th annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana gourmet dinner benefit and the fourth time Decatur police have provided security. In the past, the department has escorted NFL Hall of Famer and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw, Indianapolis Colts Punter Pat McAfee, and Colts Linebacker Darius Leonard. “I want to thank BBBS Director Josette Ride (former director of the Decatur BBBS club) and Michelle for inviting us back every year,” Corral said.