Battle Ground Police Department hosts Shop with a Cop

BATTLE GROUND — The Shop with a Cop event has been a favorite of the Battle Ground Police Department since 2014. For the last nine years, the Battle Ground Police Department has teamed up with the Battle Ground Walmart to host the event, offering an opportunity to spread some holiday cheer with local children. On Dec. 9, 14 of Battle Ground’s finest accompanied 20 local children on a shopping spree as they bought gifts for their loved ones and items for themselves. Participating children were nominated by staff from Battle Ground Public Schools and members of the police department. Battle Ground’s annual Shop with a Cop event would not be possible without the ongoing support of the Walmart Foundation which, this year alone, provided a $2,000 grant to fund the program. In addition, Walmart supplied refreshments, favor bags, a gift-wrapping station and several volunteers, some even wearing festive costumes. Adding to the joy of this year’s event were volunteers from Battle Ground Senior Citizens, Inc. The group not only donated but also volunteered to assist the officers and children as they shopped and wrapped their gifts. “Events like Shop with a Cop represent the best part of police work,” Battle Ground Police Chief Mike Fort said. “We get into this career with the hope of making a positive impact on the communities we serve. I cannot think of a more positive impact than building trust and a sense of community in our next generation of citizens.”