Twenty students from Clara Brownell Middle School joined officers from the Umatilla Police Department on Tuesday, December 9th, for this year’s Shop With a Cop event at the Hermiston Walmart. Organized annually by the department, the event creates meaningful connections between officers and students while giving students the opportunity to shop for holiday gifts for their families.
Students were selected by school administrators, who identified those who would most benefit from the support. Each student was given a shopping budget of $150, funded through grant dollars secured by the police department.
Officers from the Umatilla Department were joined by members of Oregon State Police and Umatilla County Probation & Parole, each paired with a student for the morning. Students were picked up at school by their assigned officers and enjoyed getting to ride in their patrol car on the way to Walmart.
Once they arrived, Walmart welcomed the group with breakfast before they began their shopping adventure. The aisles quickly filled with conversation as students compared gift ideas, searched for the right presents, and checked items off their lists with help from the officers. Each student carefully selected gifts for their family from hats and clothing to stuffed animals and toys.
Several officers shared that shopping alongside students is a rewarding experience, offering a chance to connect with them and support their efforts to do something special for their families.
“The Umatilla Police Department Shop With a Cop is one of my favorite times of the year. It is always refreshing to see how much these students care about their families. They really want to create something special to celebrate the holiday, and it’s an honor to be able to help them make that happen. It is a reminder that our community can still show up for each even with the difficulties we all face,” said Detective Claustro.
After shopping, Walmart staff helped students wrap their gifts and then surprised each student with a wrapped gift of their own. Students were so excited to receive a gift for themselves and many joked that they weren’t sure they could wait until they were with their families to open them.
“Shop with a Cop is a testament to community spirit. There is something special about being able to give a gift to a loved one, and the Umatilla Police Department, in collaboration with our local Walmart, gives our students the opportunity to experience that feeling through this program. It’s fun, it’s festive, and it fosters positive relationships between our students, local law enforcement officials, and community partners. I am incredibly thankful to all involved in making this event happen each year for our students,” said Clara Brownell Middle School Principal Rick Cotterell.
The Umatilla School District extends a huge thank you to the Umatilla Police Department for making this tradition possible for students every year. The department supports Umatilla Schools in numerous ways, and this event continues to be a highlight for both students and the community. Appreciation is also extended to Oregon State Police, Umatilla County Probation & Parole, and Hermiston Walmart for helping create a fun and meaningful experience for everyone involved.
“This is a highlight for students each year. We are grateful for the Umatilla Police Department and the Umatilla Police Officers Association for making memories for students and their families,” said Superintendent Heidi Sipe.