Wednesday, children in the TRI-CAP Headstart program went on a special shopping trip with local police officers and others in the judicial system. In its 31st year, the annual Cops and Kids event pairs children with these public servants to shop for needs and wants. Sponsored through the Fraternal Order of Police #138 Wood Capital Lodge with generous support from local donors, each child had about $200 to spend on clothing, outwear and fun toys. Afterward, the kids paraded with the officers to The Parklands Pavillion for time with Santa Claus and lunch donated by the local McDonald’s.
Dayton seemed surprised as he exited the bus to meet up with his shopping buddy, Jasper Detective Sgt. Greg Brescher and his wife, April, at Wednesday’s fun event.
Abby Durcholz, a Jasper dispatcher, and her shopping buddy, Angelique, head into the store together.
Rick Chambers and Erin Stemle with the Dubois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office helped Gael with a new jacket. Gael was considering whether he liked the Minecraft jacket he was trying on or another themed jacket on the rack beside him.
Ferdinand Officer Rayce Jones modeled a new Spiderman shirt for his shopping partner, Trayvaughn, to consider.
Deputy Rolando Lopez sized up a shirt his partner, Lucas, picked out Wednesday morning.
Joelianne reacted after pulling a pair of pants off the rack to try that were way too large for her. She was shopping with Jasper Officer Logan Jones and Jasper Dispatcher Tasha Durcholz.
Jordan Bueltmann held up Prince as he checked out a couple of toys on a higher shelf at Walmart. Prince was teamed up with Trooper Andrew Recker (foreground) for the Cops and Kids event.
Madyson reacted to having her photo taken after picking out two dolls she really liked while shopping with her partner, Kenya Harris.
Huntingburg Officer Jorge Dubon asked his partner, Carlos, which badge he liked the most. Carlos had collected one from Huntingburg, Jasper, and the Sheriff’s Office so far on Wednesday’s special day. Jasper Officer Logan Jones was sure Carlos would prefer the Jasper badge. Jasper Dispatcher Daniel Moore was also involved in the conversation.
Amy helped load the conveyor at Walmart checkout with her partner, Jon Watkins, after finishing shopping at Wednesday’s special event.
