With Christmas just around the corner, efforts are being ramped up for the Jacksboro Police Department’s annual Shop with a Cop program.

Shop with a Cop, which is entering its 20th year, is the brainchild of Jacksboro Police Chief Danny Chapman. It also in memoriam to Chapman’s friend and police officer Mike Starrett who died in the line of duty.

“He (Starrett) had so much compassion for children,” said JPD Det. Pam Wright. Each year, Starrett would collect donations so the children of Campbell County could have a memorable Christmas. Following his untimely death, Wright picked up the mantle. Now she and Chapman not only help the county’s children they also honor their friend.

“The Shop with a Cop program is a non- profit, completely donation driven operation,” Wright said.

“All donations go straight to the children,” she said.

While donations are accepted all year, the next few weeks are the busiest ones for the program. Between gathering donations, selecting children and organizing the shopping nights, the JPD is working nonstop to make the event happen. And while Chapman, Wright and the other officers are working on these items, they also know none of it would be possible without the help of the community.

“It can’t be done without them,” Wright said.

Shop with a Cop is a community event.

Each year, elementary age students are selected by school staff from all of the county’s elementary schools to take part in the shopping. Once the names are submitted to the JPD, they go to work finding officers who will come in uniform and shop with the children.

“We send out letters to all of the Eighth Judicial District asking for them come and shop with these kids,” Wright said.

Last year, 400 children shopped with a cop. It is a number that grows each year.

Armed with pen and paper, officers keep a running total of what the children are purchasing until they reach their $75 limit.

“We make sure the kids get something they really want,” she said.

From hot dog sales to road blocks, officers have been fund raising all year, but the work isn’t over yet.

“The more money we can raise, the more children we can serve,” Wright said.

Donations are accepted even while the shopping is happening. However, donations ahead of time are welcomed- and they are tax deductible because Shop with a Cop is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Anyone wishing to donate can call the JPD at 423-562-9312.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 11/13/2018-6AM)

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