CU-Lock Haven Criminal Justice Club partners with area police and fire departments to host Shop with a Cop event

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (12/17/2024) — Clinton County recently celebrated its inaugural Shop with a Cop event, hosted by the Commonwealth University-Lock Haven Criminal Justice Club. A total of 21 families had the opportunity to shop with a cop at the Mill Hall Walmart, making this holiday season extra special for local children and their families.

Officers from various agencies, including CU-Lock Haven University Police, Pine Creek Township Police Department, DCNR Bald Eagle State Park, PA State Police-Lamar and Clinton County Sheriff's Department, came together to participate in the event, which also featured an escort by local fire and police departments from the CU-Lock Haven campus to Walmart. Fire stations who participated included Citizens Hose Station 6 and Goodwill Hose Station 7.

The support and participation by the community were overwhelming. "It was a wonderful event, nice to put a smile on people's faces for the holiday season," said Ranger Lynes, Bald Eagle State Park.

"This was Clinton County's first-ever Shop with a Cop, and it was an awesome success," said Ashton Peters, Criminal Justice Club president. "Seeing all of the children's smiles and also having the fire department help us with a really cool escort, was great. I can't wait to plan an even bigger event for next year."

The Mill Hall Walmart was happy to accommodate the event at their store and also had Santa stop by for a visit with the children and their families.

Several area businesses and community members participated by sponsoring the families, providing them with a monetary gift for each child to use to shop. Sponsors included:

Walmart, Mill Hall

Muthler Landscaping

Momoyo Otsu

Berry Clean

Wild Willies Treat Company

AP Photos

Valley Hotel

Pearls Cafe on Main

Ed Knecht General Contracting

The Horn Family

Dr. Edward Bowman

Mary McManus

Linda Hawkins

The CU-Lock Haven Criminal Justice Club looks forward to making this an annual university/community partnership and tradition.

Media Attachments

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CU-Lock Haven Criminal Justice Club members from left, are Olivia Berry, vice president; Cole Transue; Jake Yelton; Dr. Edward Bowman, advisor; Ashton Peters, president.