Detective's work with kids inspired by negative, positive childhood experiences with Chicago police

SEATTLE (WLS) -- Kids in Seattle are enjoying a new chess park.

It's named after a local police officer whose experiences in Chicago inspired her to work with children.

SEE ALSO | 4-year-old boy with sickle cell anemia gets special honor from Chicago police

Detective Denise "Cookie" Bouldin grew up on the South Side of Chicago. She said she saw police harass her brothers.

But, she also remembers a kind officer at school who she could talk to about anything. She models his community spirit while reaching out to Seattle kids through her weekly chess club.

Jabril Hassen said he had behavior problems before joining Bouldin's chess club as a teen.

He studied criminology because of her, and is now a college professor.