Local law enforcement starts 'Shop with a Cop' program

WORLAND – The Worland Police Department, Washakie County Sheriff’s office, and Wyoming Highway Patrol will be starting a new program on Saturday to help a group of local children Christmas shop for family, that otherwise wouldn’t get the chance under normal circumstances.

“We had our School Resource officer work with the local schools to create a list of 10 kids that would benefit most from a program like this,” reported Worland Chief of Police Gabe Elliott. The 10 children will each be paired up with a volunteer law enforcement officer, and treated to a shopping trip at a local business of their choosing.

“It’s the first year we’ve done this, and so this year we are working with donations from the officers and the Highway Patrol,” said Chief Elliott. “Next year, if it works, we’ll consider donations from outside the departments.”

The children and officers will start with a breakfast at the Washakie County Law Enforcement Center at 9 a.m., before pairing up to shop around town. “We’ll have a special surprise for them at the end,” hinted Chief Elliott.