Jayce Morrison loads a gift into the cart while Cody Billman checks the wish list during Shop with a Cop on Dec. 14, 2023

ISLAND CITY — Walmart shoppers probably noticed a horde of law enforcement vehicles from multiple agencies in front of the store Thursday, Dec. 14.

They weren’t there responding to a crime or to make an arrest, instead they were spreading some holiday cheer to children and families through the annual Shop with a Cop program.

Each child was provided $200 to purchase gifts for others during their shopping spree. The experience was a role reversal for many children who normally are the ones receiving gifts.

“It is fun to see the children’s expression of joy when they buy presents for loved ones,” Union County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Hernandez said.

Union County Sheriff’s Deputy Dusty Perry said the experience was again a remarkable one for him.

“It is really cool for the kids,” he said. “It is great to see them having so much fun.”

La Grande Police Chief Gary Bell echoes the feeling when discussing what he likes best about Shop with a Cop.

“I just like seeing the kids express so much joy,” he said.

The law enforcement officers participating in the event seemed to enjoy the event as much as the children they were assisting. Oregon State Police Trooper Jake Jederberg expressed how much he enjoys participating in the program with a single word when he responded to a man shopping at Walmart who said to him “You guys are having too much fun.”

Jederberg, a veteran of many Shop with a Cop events, replied without hesitation: “Always.”

The event was again led by La Grande Police Lt. Jason Hays.

“It is the most favorite thing I do all year,” he said.

Hays has been participating in Shop with a Cop for 25 years and has led it since it started here in 2009. Hays said he has to often deal with negative situations as a police officer, which makes Shop with a Cop particularly meaningful.

“Everything about this is a joy,” he said.

Oregon State Police Trooper Kainoa Delatori said he was struck by the wonderful nature of the children who went shopping with law enforcement officers.

“It is just a great group of kids,” he said. “They are very respectful.”

Union County Emergency Manager Nick Vora said he was very impressed with the child he shopped with, Eliza Fitzpatrick. Vora said she was a remarkable shopper, knew where to find gifts and was very organized.

“I should hire her to do my shopping,” he said.

Making an impact

Children participating in the program often get interested in pursuing law enforcement careers. Hays said each year about half say they want to become a law enforcement officer after Shop with a Cop.

Violet Cable is one of the children who does not plan on pursuing a career in law enforcement.

“I am a writer at heart,” she said.

Cable said she may someday write a fictional book about law enforcement officers who confront crazy situations. If she does, some of the characters may include the law enforcement officers she enjoyed meeting on Dec. 14.

“I will change their names, though,” she said.

Children are selected for Shop with a Cop on the recommendations of school counselors. The children chosen are those with financial need who counselors believe would also benefit from one-on-one time with a law enforcement officer, Hays said.

Children did more than shop on Dec. 14. They also enjoyed a free lunch, had their presents wrapped by volunteers from law enforcement agencies and each received a backpack containing a blanket, a water bottle, a Shop with a Cop notebook, candy, Play-Doh and a $100 Safeway gift card for family groceries. The children also got to choose a book and art supplies they could take home.

Union County Sheriff Cody Bowen said the experience is intended to give children a chance to see law enforcement officers in a positive light.

“It is about relationship building,” he said.

The major sponsors of this year’s Shop with a Cop were Walmart, Loveland Funeral Home, Legacy Dodge, Sunrise Rotary, Domino’s Pizza and Coca Cola.

“It is the most favorite thing I do all year.”

— La Grande Police Lt. Jason Hays, about the annual Shop with a Cop event