Members of the Imperial County Sheriff’s Department have once again lent a helping hand to the Shop With A Cop program. More than 60 local children are reported to have participated in this year’s event. Many of them took time to climb on fire trucks, in patrol cars and explore armored vehicles before heading off to buy their toys.
Santa Claus is also reported to have taken time away from checking through naughty and nice lists in order to be present. He arrived on the scene riding not in a sleigh, but inside an armored vehicle. That vehicle was escorted through the streets by a number marked and unmarked law enforcement vehicles, all of which had their lights flashing to celebrate Santa’s arrival.
Other law enforcement agencies also came out to show their support. They included the California Highway Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, the Imperial County Fire Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Imperial County Probation Department and others. Each law enforcement attendee was assigned a child for the day.
Those who participated in the 2012 Shop With A Cop were provided a free lunch. Afterward, each child was presented with a $100 Target shopping spree in which they were permitted to buy whatever they so desired. Each child was also granted the opportunity to have a photo taken with Santa.
A spokesperson for the Imperial County Sheriff’s Department called the event a resounding success.
