Shop with a Cop spreads holiday joy

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

The annual Shop with a Cop was held recently at Walmart.
Those participating from the Emery County Sheriff’s Office included: Mike Grange, Kurt Price, Mike Van Wagoner, Robby Riley, Tyson Huntington, Kyle Ekker, Jeff Thomas, Jerod Curtis; Sheriff Greg Funk, Jeremiah Rich, Tom Harrison, Ryan Jensen, AJ O’Neil and John Barnett.
The deputies helped the participants choose gifts and pushed the cart with their load of treasures.
The deputies also kept track of the spending of the child.
Emery County Sheriff Greg Funk said, “I think the Shop with a Cop program is fantastic, it gives the officers a chance to interact with kids and they can see a police officer in a new light.
“The officers can mingle with the families at a fun and happy event.
“It’s not the normal line of duty for the deputy. A lot of people need a little extra help around Christmas time.
“Our deputies are happy to provide this service with our youth.
“Each of the elementary schools nominate a child or family to Shop with a Cop.
“This service helps brighten the holidays for some of our county residents,” said Sheriff Funk.
Sheriff Funk said, “The Shop with a cop was a huge success thanks to donations from our community and local businesses. ECSO personnel were able to take 14 students Christmas shopping and it was a great experience for all involved.”
Program sponsors were Attorney Sonny Olsen, Walmart Foundation, Nielson Construction, UtahAmerican Energy, Johansen & Tuttle Engineering, Emery Telcom, Castle Valley Special Service District, Desert Edge Christian Chapel, Emery Water Conservancy District, Ferron American Legion Auxiliary Unit 42, Emery School District, Main Street Express, Ethan Hurdsman and Frayed String Archery. The sheriff’s office also received donations from members of the community and those who supported the fundraiser run/walk.
“There were many happy faces this night as the participants shopped for themselves and also for other family members,” said Sheriff Funk. “New this year was the fundraiser walk/run which helped us raise more money so we could take more kids shopping. It really expanded what we were able to do for these kids,” said Sheriff Funk.