Blue lights and laughter filled the parking lot of the Walmart Supercenter on Friday evening, Dec. 12, as the Pine Bluff Fraternal Order of Police helped make Christmas a little brighter for dozens of local children during its Fourth Annual Shop with a Cop event.
FOP Lodge No. 2, led by Pine Bluff Police Department Sgt. Shanee Jackson, FOP president, and PBPD Lt. DeShawn Bennett, FOP vice president, hosted and sponsored the event, serving 24 grade-school children between the ages of 5 and 8 from across the community.
Children were selected by school principals and counselors from MeMe’s Learning Academy, James Matthews Elementary School, Broadmoor Elementary School, Coleman Elementary School and Friendship Aspire Academy.
During the event, officers accompanied children through the store as they shopped for Christmas gifts, clothing and toys, building positive relationships while creating lasting holiday memories.
Organizers said the event would not have been possible without the support of community partners and members of the Pine Bluff Police Department who continue to invest in local youth. Sponsors included Walmart Supercenter; Saracen Casino Resort; the Pine Bluff Police Department Service Division and Patrol Division day, swing and graveyard shifts; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Delta Omega Omega Chapter; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Gamma Sigma Chapter; Watson Chapel Baptist Church; Domino’s Pizza; Pine Bluff Police Office Manager Bonnie Butler; Stephanie and Todd Howard; and Constable DeShawn Bennett and his family.
“Shop with a Cop is more than a single day — it’s about building trust, creating lasting memories and showing our children that they are seen, valued and supported,” Bennett said.
Following the shopping portion of the evening, children and their families gathered at the Detective Kevin Collins Training Center for a pizza party and bicycle giveaway. One lucky child, 5-year-old Niylah Jacobs, won a large power ride-on toy in a raffle sponsored by Bennett and his family.
“Seeing the children’s faces light up with Christmas cheer made everyone’s night,” PBPD Public Information Specialist John Worthen said. “This is what it’s all about. We are so appreciative of all our officers and volunteers who helped make this event a success.”
