SYRACUSE -- The Shop with a Cop event was today at Destiny USA.
Syracuse Police cars lined up in front of the mall to welcome the kids.
Santa made an appearance as well, taking pictures and gift requests.
The Syracuse Police were joined by the Syracuse Fire Department and the Neighborhood Watch Groups of Syracuse to treat the kids to breakfast, lunch and shopping.
The children were selected by referrals from police officers who had interacted with the kids, who were either victims or witnesses, throughout the year.
The kids got a $100 gift card to go shopping at the mall, to buy presents for themselves or family members.
Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler said “This is their (the police) way of trying to give back to the kids and enrich their lives in some sort of way.”
Syracuse Fire Chief Mark McLees felt this event was a great way for the officers to interact with these kids, who normally just see a “bunch of guys in badges go in, do their job and leave.” He says, “This is a two way street. It gives the kids and the firefighters an opportunity to spend time together.”
There were 15 kids paired with 15 police officers, while 5 kids got to shop with a fire fighter.
The program was supported by donations from Destiny USA, Sbarro Pizza, Regal Cinemas and the neighborhood watch.
