Local police and firefighters participate in annual program

With several squad cars and fire engines parked out front of the local Shopko department store last weekend, people passing by may have asked what the emergency was.

The task facing law enforcement and fire crews that morning was different, though — to corral a bunch of eager young holiday shoppers.

The Dowagiac VFW’s annual Shop With a Cop took place on Saturday morning, with several police officers and firefighters helping a group of eight Dowagiac children buy Christmas presents for themselves and for loved ones. Among the officers roaming the aisles that morning were Director of Public Safety Steven Grinnewald and Deputy Chief Jarrid Bradford.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Grinnewald said. “A lot of these kids get so excited about the fact they can buy stuff for their parents and siblings that we often have to remind them to buy something for themselves, too.”

Each of the children, who are suggested by the school district, were given around $180 to spend that morning. By the end of the morning, each child had shopping carts filled with toys, sweaters, electronics and other gifts, which were then wrapped up for them by VFW volunteers.

Grinnewald has been volunteering with the program for the last several years, starting before he became chief of the department, he said.

“It makes you feel good, that you’re connecting with kids,” he said. “We’re giving these kids a chance to have an even happier Christmas.”

The VFW have teamed up with the police and fire departments for the event for the past eight years, said Post 1855 Commander Bill Bobik. The program is made possible in part by a grant given to them by Shopko, which is matched by several local donations from the police department and other places, such as L.A.D.D. Inc., which contributed $200 this year, the commander said.

“The [Shopko] employees just love it as well,” Bobik said. “They go all out for this.”

Following the excursion at the store, the kids were given a ride down to the VFW in the squad cars and fire engines, where they enjoyed a pizza party.

People interested in contributing to next year’s event can do so by contacting the local post at (269) 782-2235.