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
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.
All participants of the Shop with a Cop event.
Officer Lucas, Pine Creek Township Police Department
Thayne Muthler, CU-Lock Haven University Police
Ranger Lynes, DCNR Bald Eagle State Park
Shown is Olivia Berry, CU-Lock Haven Criminal Justice Club vice president with a child participant.
Trooper Grant Ralston, PA State Police - Lamar