COLUMBUS, Ind. – Although 2020 has not been a typical year with many events canceled, it didn’t stop the local “Shop With A Cop” from taking place. The fun-filled day, sponsored by Bartholomew County FOP Lodge #89, began at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Westside Walmart.
The program is special for the children who are there but also for the law enforcement agencies that participate. Columbus Police Department officers, Batholomew County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and Indiana State Police (ISP) troopers were able to make it a happy Christmas for over 125 kids who might not have had one otherwise.
Each child was paired with an officer who took them around the store to pick out clothes, toys, and other essentials. Families who participated in “Shop WIth A Cop” were also given a smoke detector.
ISP Sgt. Stephen Wheeles said, “Nothing beats being told ‘this has been the best day ever’ by a young child who you just became friends with while taking them through Walmart on a Christmas shopping spree.” Sheriff Matt Myers added, “Thank you Bartholomew County, you never fail to make me proud.”
