Several local entities gathered at the Alpena Walmart on Dec. 7 for the Shop with a Cop event. The officers and event partners volunteered their time and it was a very rewarding and humbling experience for us all. We at the Alpena Police Department are grateful for being a part of an event going on 16 years strong that can make Christmas a little more special for some of our area children and families who are in need.

Children not only shopped for themselves, but mostly shopped for siblings and parents. This was wonderful to see during this time of giving. The children were so excited when they arrived. It was surely something to see. Because of the overwhelming positive response to this event, Walmart, area law enforcement, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will continue to support these annual events.

The following people and departments made this event possible: Mark Bayliss and fellow management and associates of the Alpena Walmart. Our financial partners at Alcona Area Credit Union, Northland Area Federal Credit Union, Wolverine State Credit Union, Alpena Community Credit Union and HPC Credit Union. DHHS (Alpena office) for selecting the 12 participating children. Santa Claus also made the long trip to attend the event. Several members of APD, Alpena County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police and Alpena CRTC Security Forces volunteered their time, as well as the Alpena High School DARE. Role Models.

Another example of community support, James Campbell of Alpena stopped into Walmart during the event to donate $100 in memory of his father, Charles Campbell; who was a U.S. Navy veteran and a merchant marine for 42 years on the Great Lakes.

APD wishes to thank James and all of our partners for their help in his annual Holiday event. Likewise, we all would like to thank those children for making our Holidays brighter! Have a Merry Christmas!

OFFICER TIM MARQUARDT,

DARE/AHS liaison officer,

Alpena Police Department