Local Kids Enjoys ‘Cops and Kids Shopping Event’

About 40 children hit the aisles of Walmart for the 21st Annual Cops and Kids Shopping Event held by The Fraternal Order of Police Red River Valley Lodge #1.

It’s a morning of excitement.

For kids this is the day they get to go shopping for gifts.

And for officers, this is a great opportunity to give back.
 
“It’s important to be involved in your community and continuously out reaching to the community,” says Fargo Police Chief, David Todd.
 
38 kids were paired with an officer.

Officers from West Fargo Police, Fargo Police, Cass County Sheriffs and the North Dakota Highway Patrol participated in the escapade.

Fargo Police Chief David Todd was paired with Blaze Roush, who is a shy 11 year old.

He’s a boy of not many words but he makes up for it through his thoughtful actions.

Blaze wanted to shop for more than just himself, he wanted to get the whole family a gift.
 
“Because they’re my family and I love them,” says Blaze Roush.
 
Blaze’s father Mike left the shopping to Chief Todd and his son, but couldn’t believe how generous the officers were.
 
“Well, I thought it was pretty good program for the kids and with everything going on with the cops these days. For our community this really helps out a lot of stuff. It puts on a lot of smiles on kids’ faces,” says Blaze’s father, Mike Roush.
 
The kids stopped at the FOP Lodge to wrap their gifts and get them ready to be put underneath the tree.
 
“They’re neat kids and they got that innocent outlook on Christmas.
And they love just having that time to interact with you, where you’re giving them your undivided attention,” says Todd.
 
Not many words needed to be said but Blaze has a new perspective for cops.
 
“They’re fun!” says Blaze.
 
Kids chosen for the program were recommended by schools or counselors.

The gifts were paid for with fundraisers held throughout the year.