Shop With a Cop Brings Christmas Cheer to Webster County Children

Christmas shopping takes on a special meaning when a child gets to walk through a store, pick out a gift, and share the experience with a police officer. That’s what the Marshfield Police Department hopes to do this December again through its annual Shop with a Cop program. Police Chief Doug Fannen says the program has run for decades, giving law enforcement officers a chance to help children whose families may be struggling financially. But there’s something else that makes the program special. Fannen says it gives children a chance to see police officers in a different light. Many of the youngsters have only encountered officers during difficult situations involving family members. Shop with a Cop gives them an opportunity to see the friendly, caring side of law enforcement. And sometimes, those first nervous moments turn into smiles, laughter, and even hugs.

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