Patrolman Austin Homan helps a 10 year old shop for clothes in the Justice clothing department at Walmart. Mirror photo by Colette Costlow

Blair County Sheriff James E. Ott described the county’s second Shop with a Cop event as a “win” for both children and law enforcement officers, as children get the chance to connect with officers while promoting positivity within the community.

“We’re still there usually during the bad times, but this is something we can do during the good times,” he said.

More than 30 law enforcement officers paired up with about 200 local children last week, shopping for wishlist items at the Altoona Walmart Supercenter.

Kids could “choose whatever they want” within a $150 price range donated by various community organizations, Shop with a Cop director Allyson Lonas said.

This year, Ott said the community raised more than $30,000 in support of the event.

“We’re so blessed to have a community that supports local law enforcement,” he added.

Meanwhile, participating kids can learn about law enforcement while walking through Walmart and see that “they’re good people, and they’re here to help.”

As a result, children can develop a relationship with an officer, giving that kid “someone they can turn to” in the future, she said.

Wednesday was Altoona Area School District Police Officer Sean Riley’s second time participating in the event, as he helped two young brothers pick out stuffed animals in the toy section.

When asked why he continues to participate, he said, “putting a smile on a child’s face is priceless.”

Riley’s colleague, Altoona Area School District Assistant Director Gregory McNeal, said they usually work with the kids at school.

“They see us every day, and it’s really nice to come out here and interact with (them),” he added.

Not only can kids foster a relationship with officers, but he said officers from different enforcement departments can see one another as well.

While the county’s law enforcement departments are close, seeing each other in one place while supporting local children is a “good thing,” he said.

Altoona Police Officer Dan Vasil said it’s nice to do something that “gives you joy” as he walked alongside Riley and McNeal

A Shop with a Cop positive is being able to connect with kids, he said before picking out an “Uno Elite” card game with one of the brothers.

Shopping with kids is “as much fun to us” as it is for the child, he added.

In the furniture aisle, State Police Trooper Kristyn Plowden said the Shop with a Cop event can help alleviate financial burdens for families during the holiday season.

Having Christian values, she thinks it’s important to “share God’s love and all toward people.”

The event also shows the public that “we’re people too,” she said, adding that law enforcement officers can “be around people in a positive way.”

“We’re here to support everyone,” she said.

Plowden was paired with an 11-year-old boy who had a gaming keyboard and a Rubik’s Cube in his shopping cart.

He said the Shop with a Cop event is “fun” because you’re “protected wherever you go.”

On the other side of the store, a 10-year-old girl was looking for Justice brand clothing with Patrolman Austin Homan.

Homan said it’s a great thing to help out local community members, as good deeds are not exclusive to Christmastime.

“It’s always good to get out and talk to kids, especially ones that are interested in law enforcement,” he said.

By participating in community events, he said law enforcement officers can develop a positive relationship with kids.

While leaving the clothing department, the young girl said she liked the Shop with a Cop event because she “gets to learn a lot about cops.”

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.