Police, kids go on present patrol at Wal-Mart
Published: December 3, 2007
Louis Diener had a tough decision to make: Should he get the popular video game “Guitar Hero III,” or a bike?
The 10-year-old just used a little common sense to make his decision.
“First of all, bikes don’t ride very well in the winter,” the Deerfield Township boy said, “and ‘Guitar Hero III,’ you can play during the winter.”
Diener was one of 115 children who participated in the Shop With a Cop program Saturday at the Genoa Township Wal-Mart. Officers from all of Livingston County’s law enforcement agencies, as well as the Kensington Metropark Police and Michigan Department of Natural Resources, were on hand to make sure children, such as Louis, have a happier holiday season.
The program partners a law enforcement officer with a child, both of whom come to Wal-Mart in a convoy of police vehicles.
Each child received about $100 in gift cards to buy presents for themselves or family or friends.
“It’s awesome,” said Deputy Anthony Clayton of the Living-ston County Sheriff’s Depart-ment, who was organizing the event. “It’s all off-duty officers volunteering their time.”
Brighton Police Chief Tom Wightman was glad to come out and help at the event, which also featured photos with Santa Claus, gift wrapping, and lunch.
“It’s a good chance for the law enforcement community to give back to the kids and make
their holidays a little brighter,” Wightman said.
Howell’s Josh Rhone was shopping with Sheriff Bob Bezotte. The 13-year-old, who was wearing a Sheriff’s Department hat, said he enjoyed the ride over in the sheriff’s car.
Rhone picked up an MP3 player and DVD for his brother, in addition to a couple of video games.
“It’s nice what they do for all of us,” Rhone said.
Pat Braidwood, an assistant manager at Wal-Mart, said the event keeps getting bigger and better. Last year, 107 kids came.
“It’s wonderful to see,” Braidwood said. “The kids are just ecstatic.”
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