'Shop With A Cop' benefits 16 local youth

WORLAND – The second annual "Shop With A Cop" program Saturday was a huge success with off-duty and on-duty officers from the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Worland Police Department and the Washakie County Sheriff's Office taking 16 local children, who otherwise wouldn't get the chance under normal circumstances, Christmas shopping for their families.

"It was a good time with 16 great, enthusiastic, excited kids," Washakie County Sheriff Steve Rakness stated.

Eight children shopped with their own individual volunteer officer in the morning and another eight shopped in the afternoon, going to Shopko, Family Dollar, Blair's and Larsen's Bicycles in Worland. After shopping, the pairs returned to the Law Enforcement Center to wrap their gifts.

All of the children got to ride shotgun with their officer and learn about the inner workings of a patrol car. Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Regina Schulmeister had Priscilla Feliberty out in her car before shopping to run the siren, the lights and the radio, making the trip even more exciting.

Shopko and Family Dollar went over and above to help the program holding all receipts to be paid for at the end of the day. "We are really thankful for the support that Shopko and Family Dollar gave us, holding the tickets to be paid at the end," Rakness said.

Volunteer officers had a variety of reasons for participating in the program but the main theme was to help the children. Wyoming Highway Patrol Lieutenant Karl Germain stated that he was part of the program because, "It's a way to give back to the community. We don't usually get a chance to interact with the community outside of law enforcement."

Washakie County Sheriff detention officer Glen Tyner said it was for the kids and that it's important to get out and be a good example for the community and the kids. That cops are friends. "I saw the program when I was growing up and thought that it was a great idea and It's wonderful that I can do it myself."

Worland Police Officer Kent Lombard stated, "I really enjoy helping the community. It's a good cause and lets people and kids know that we are here to help, not harm."

The "Shop With A Cop" program was started last year with money donated by the officers. This year the program received donations from WBI Energy, Devon Energy, Smith Oilfield Services, Harvest Fest Basket Program, Shopko, Hepp Construction and law enforcement officers. "We greatly appreciate the support and donations," Rakness said.

While shopping with the children, officers were offered donations to the program from individuals also shopping. The officers had to politely refuse as their budget had already been worked out, but expressed sincere appreciation for the generous offers.

"This is a great program and we look forward to doing it again next year," Rakness stated.