Italy Police Dept and Italy Fire Dept. goes Christmas Shopping

Shawn Martin Posted Italy PD
Image: Front row: Bailey Eubank, Oralia, Taylor, Kaylee, Shamiyah, Isaac, JR Back Row: Madison Washington, Alexis Sampley, Officer Elliott, Chief Martin, Firefighter Kimmons, Capt. Cate, Officer Click, Officer Saxon, Sgt Pitts, Officer Cherry, Lt B. Chambers

Front row: Bailey Eubank, Oralia, Taylor, Kaylee, Shamiyah, Isaac, JR
Back Row: Madison Washington, Alexis Sampley, Officer Elliott, Chief Martin, Firefighter Kimmons, Capt. Cate, Officer Click, Officer Saxon, Sgt Pitts, Officer Cherry, Lt B. Chambers

On December 15th, the Italy Police Dept. and the Italy Fire Dept. joined forces and took 6 Stafford Elementary children Christmas shopping at Wal-Mart. After all of the shopping was done they had lunch together at CiCi’s pizza. Then they all ventured back to the Italy Community Center to wrap the presents and had cookies and punch for a snack. The Police Officers and Fireman had as much fun as the kids did shopping.

There are not enough words to describe the looks on the faces of the children when they get to pick out presents that they want or are looking for the perfect gift for a sibling or parent. I can personally say that shopping with these great kids is a great experience. For a Police Officer and Firefighter this is the true reason why people get into profession of Public Safety to help people.

I will share a conversation with one of the kids that I had while we were shopping. We were walking from Wal-Mart back to the Police cars after we were done shopping. She looked up at me while she was pushing her cart and asked, “Why are you doing this for us?” I looked down at her and simply said that we like to help people. Usually that the only time that people get to see Police Officers or Fireman is when something bad is happening. We want kids to think of us as someone who helps people.

We had several people approach us while we were shopping with the kids and thank us for doing what we do. They have no idea how much that is truly appreciated these days by anyone in Public Safety.

I would like to thank everyone that has help support this great program. I want to thank Wal-Mart in Waxahachie for letting us come in and invade their store for a few hours. They opened up a special register for us to make checking out easier with all of the gifts. I want to also thank Cici’s Pizza for giving a free buffet for the kids to eat their lunch. I really appreciate the Italy High School Student Council members Madison Washington, Bailey Eubank and Alexis Sampley. Their help was greatly appreciated as they helped the children pick out their gifts and also helped them wrap the gifts.