Local youth 'Shop-With-A-Cop'

Bourbon County Deputy Jackson, left, helps a local youth pick out a t-shirt during the Shop-With-A-Cop event Saturday at Walmart. (Submitted Photo) [Click to enlarge]

A number of Bourbon County children had the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping with local law enforcement.

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office along with officers and dispatchers from the Fort Scott Police Department held the 2009 Shop-With-A-Cop program at Walmart on Dec. 19.

According to Bourbon County Undersheriff Bill Martin, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 63 in Pittsburg provided the financial funding for the event. The money used for the program was raised during several events sponsored by the FOP Lodge No. 63 throughout the year with the help of Southeast Kansas merchants such as Applebee's of Pittsburg who held a pancake feed and Aaron's Rental, of Pittsburg, which donated a laptop computer for which the FOP Lodge No. 63 members sold chances to win. The winner of the laptop was Bourbon County resident Thad Moberg.

During the event, officers escorted children and their parents throughout the Walmart to purchase things they would like to have for Christmas. The children are required to purchase clothing and necessary items first; such as coats, gloves, and shoes before they begin to pick toys. Participants in the program range from 5 to 17 years of age, depending on the circumstances of each child, according to Martin.

The Shop-With-A-Cop program was initiated because children sometimes view police officers as scary individuals whom they should fear. The shopping experience gives the children an opportunity to bond with an officer while they gain knowledge and trust. Also, at the same time, the officers and children share a wonderful Christmas memory.

Members of the FOP Lodge No. 63 held their third annual Shop-With-A-Cop event on Dec. 12 in Pittsburg. A total of 30 children from Crawford Count shopped and purchased presents for themselves and family members. In combination with the 15 children chosen for the Bourbon County Shop-With-A-Cop event, the FOP Lodge No. 63 is proud of the fact that 45 children throughout Bourbon and Crawford counties have had a brighter Christmas because of their efforts and the support of the communities.

Martin said that local law enforcement plan to make the event annual.

To learn more about the FOP or to donate to next year's program, contact Pittsburg Police Department Sergeant John Austin at (620) 231-1700 or Martin at (620) 223-1440.