TOP PHOTO:  (Left to right) Kelly Andrews, Josh Bruce, Shannon Wilkes and Lauren Whitaker; all are with the Tennessee Department of Corrections. 

Aaron Johnson, Caryville Police Chief Brian Keeton, Santa Claus and Brandon Cairns helping with the 22nd  annual Shop with a Cop. 

By Charlotte Underwood

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Santa drove a police cruiser this year at the Shop with a Cop event which is helping 300 kids have a merrier Christmas.    Law enforcement officials from throughout the county, as well as several state departments came together at Walmart Thursday night to be a part of the holiday magic. The event hosted 150 kids and their families and will see another 150 Friday night.

Event organizer Cody Chapman (right) with the Jacksboro Police kept things running smoothly. 

Families began arriving at 5 pm at Walmart. First, everyone got to eat pizza and then the shopping began. Gruff state troopers could be overheard ticking off shopping list items such as ‘baby dolls, dresses and dinosaurs’.   Each year, elementary aged children are chosen by school staff from all of the county’s elementary schools to take part in the shopping.

Zach Sheets with the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce was busy handing out treat bags to the kids. 

The kids get paired up with an officer and get to spend $75 tax free at the store. The program is a non profit and is entirely driven by donations. Area officers were excited to shop with the kids.

Zach Wright and Jordan Huskey from the Jacksboro Police Department. 

Jeremy Adkins, Darlene Adkins, Jeff Adkins and Nikki Wells, all with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. 

“This wouldn’t be possible without the support of the community; we want to thank all of the businesses, churches and individuals for donating and making this possible,” said organizer Cody Chapman of the Jacksboro Police Department. He said the program held a special place for him as it was started 22 years ago by  his dad, recently retired Jacksboro Police Chief Danny Chapman and Jacksboro Detective Mike Starrett, who died in the line of duty.   “They enjoyed doing it and we want to keep it going; it’s a great opportunity to give back to the community,” Cody Chapman said.

Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers Nathan Clowers and Stephen Barclay

Helping with the event were members of the Jacksboro Police Department, Caryville Police Department, LaFollette Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Campbell County Sheriff’s Department and the Tennessee Department of Corrections. The Campbell County Chamber of Commerce also provided treat bags for the kids.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/06/2019-6AM)