By Martha Jacob –

The Georgetown Police Department has been taking part in the “Shop with a Cop” program since 2013, according to Georgetown Police Chief Robert Freeland. This year’s event is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 20.
“With all the support we’ve received for the Shop With a Cop program we have been able to make the Christmas of 14 children from low income households much brighter,” Chief Freeland said. “During their special day, these children are assigned their very own officer. The kids are treated to breakfast, shopping for themselves and family members, lunch, a movie, video arcade and a pizza dinner while the kids and officers and many volunteers wrap all the presents.”
Chief Freeland said that on Christmas Eve the gifts are delivered by those same officers along with a complete turkey dinner from the Mt. Orab Kroger store.
“This is not only a wonderful and positive experience for these children,” Chief Freeland said, “but for the officers involved as well.
Russellville Police Chief Matt Wertz has also been involved with the Shop With a Cop Program and said that each year the program has continued to grow and considers it a fantastic program. “Last year the program helped about 30 children and their families through this program,” Chief Wertz said. “This year we are hoping to increase that number to 40. It costs about $500 for each child to be a part of the program.
“More and more private individuals, community groups and businesses want to help us and these families, and we hope that they will open their hearts and help us out this year.”
Checks can be made payable to any of the Police Departments in Brown County, including The Georgetown Police Officers Association/Shop With a Cop.