Shop with a Cop Brings Holiday Spirit to Children

Comanche Nation Police Department held its annual Shop with a Cop event on Wednesday, December 10, in Lawton, Oklahoma.

Community Police Officer Robert Chavez said they helped 18 children find various gifts at the shopping spree.

“And the last two kids we picked from Walmart on the west side of Lawton, who were actively shopping, so we kind of scared the dad, but he ended up liking it in the long run,” he said.

Chavez said it took a lot of word work and getting out into the community.

“Us and [Lawton Police Department] teamed up, and we ended up having a fundraising bowling event, which was very successful, and that allowed us to have this event for the kids.”

Chavez said officers are more than a badge.

“And we do like to help people out. People need the help, not only just to feel safe, but to have them understand that they can come up to us and we're not just [going to] sit there and try to arrest everybody. It's not our job,” he said. “It's just getting out there and explaining to them, ‘Hey, look, we're people as well. Let's work together. If you see something, say something.’ Take them to shopping. Give them a meal. That's what we did.”

Chavez, said community and small businesses help a lot.

“The next thing is seeing the kids interacting with the officers. We did have soldiers from Fort Sill this year as well, helping out. Santa and the Grinch helped out, asking the kids what they bought and their faces so happy, showing us and being proud of what they got,” he said. “Not only for themselves, but for their family, their friends. A little kid was talking about how he bought something for his friend in his class because he's been nice to him. And you don't see that very often anymore. So, those things are what I like to see. And then the officers getting a break from being out there, seeing what they see on a daily basis, interacting again with the children. It goes a long way.”

The kids were also taken to Holiday in the Park.

According to Chavez, the bowling event helped with funding Shop with a Cop. Chief John Journeycake and the officers went above and beyond to help out. As well as Comanche Nation Fire Department, Property and a variety of organizations.