The Other Side of Law Enforcement

Here's a positive story on how our Treasure Law Enforcement continues to make a difference in our community.

The Canyon County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #29 will host the second annual Back to School Shop with a Cop program on Friday, August 12.  The program will be similar to the Christmas Shop with a Cop event, only the kids will be shopping for school supplies, backpacks, shoes, and other items for themselves.

“We’re really excited to be able to do this event for the second consecutive year,” said Canyon County Sheriff’s Corporal Gilbert Longoria, who has spearheaded the Shop with a Cop program for the past 17 years.  “It’s a great opportunity to once again reach out to those in our communities that could use some additional help as they prepare for the school year.”

The program will begin with a barbecue at Justice Park in Caldwell where the approximately 30 kids will have a chance to meet and talk with the officers they will be paired with for their shopping spree.  Roughly half of the kids participating are children of officers and staff who work for the Sheriff’s Office and other County departments.  The kids and their officers will then hop on a bus and receive a police escort to the Caldwell Walmart where they will begin shopping for a backpack, new shoes, and all the necessary school supplies for the upcoming school year.  Each kid will receive $175 to purchase the necessary items, and any money left over can be used on an item of their choice.

Money for the program was raised through donations from the Canyon County Fraternal Order of Police and private and business donations from the Canyon County community.  Bus transportation is being donated by Caldwell Transportation Company.