While there are many wonderful charitable causes going on during the holidays, the Shop With A Cop program is one with a special purpose. Kim Boren with Vernal City Police explains that Shop With a Cop is an opportunity for local kids who have had a difficult experience where police were present or involved, whether they were victims of a crime or perhaps they witnessed a parent being arrested. “We want them to have a positive experience with law enforcement to know we are there to help them,” shares Boren. Vernal City Police has been participating in Shop With A Cop for 29 years and it continues to grow each year. Boren explains that they started with 25 kids receiving $25 dollars each to shop with an officer. That has increased to 65 kids with each having $100 dollars to shop with. The Division of Child and Family Services works with the police department to compile the list each year. This year’s event in Uintah County is taking place this Saturday, December 21st, starting with breakfast at the Elk’s Lodge and then riding with lights and sirens in law enforcement vehicles to Walmart for shopping. Shop With A Cop was held in Duchesne County earlier this month with a great turnout. Over 85 children were served and officers from Roosevelt Police, Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office, BIA, Ute Tribe Fish & Game, DWR, ambulance crews, and others helped make it a success.
