Local Law Enforcement Joins Forces to Host 2009 Shop With a Cop

IRONWOOD, MI - by Keri Singleton - Sunday, December 6, 2009 - The interior of Burger King, Ironwood, quickly filled up with area law enforcement and other agency members, eager to begin the 7th annual SHOP WITH A COP program, Saturday, December 5, 2009.

Local radio stations WIMI/WJMS, pairs area children with area law enforcement and other related agency members, who then go shopping at various local merchants for Christmas gifts for family members. SHOP WITH A COP is a non-profit organization, run by donations and sponsors.

The event is sponsored by:

Burger King of Ironwood

Northstar Beverage of Hurley

Little Caesars of Ironwood

On hand to assist the children with their shopping, and then wrapping, were members from the following agencies:

Ironwood Public Safety Department

Hurley Police Department

Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department

Iron County Sheriff’s Department

Gogebic County Victim Services

Michigan State Police Post of Wakefield

Ojibwa Corrections Officers

The staff of WIMI/WJMS was on hand to assist the pairing up of shoppers and their escorts. The shoppers were off to the Ironwood Commons Shopping Center, then a trip to Wal Mart, to be followed by present wrapping at the Memorial Building.

Writer’s Note: Regrettably, due to time constraints, I was unable to accompany the shoppers; however, judging by the excitement on the faces of the approximately 25 children I counted at Burger King, the program was once again a huge success. Thank you to WIMI/WJMS,(Joe Rimkus, and all involved staff), and all the escorts, sponsors, and especially, thank you to the children for shopping. It is wonderful to see law enforcement and other agencies taking part in such a wonderful organization, and displaying the true spirit of the season: giving, (whether time or resources).