BRIDGEPORT – Bridgeport Exempted Village School District teamed up with the village police department to bring a Merry Christmas to families in the district during Christmas with a Cop Dec. 13.
A police officer joined each family as they walked the aisles at the Ohio Valley Plaza Walmart and picked out gifts.
The initiative provided 64 children from the Bridgeport Exempted Village School District with Christmas celebrations they might not have otherwise enjoyed.
Families with elementary, middle and high school students showed up. Each child had $150 to spend on whatever they wanted.
Bridgeport Police Assistant Chief Darby Copeland organized the event. They work with the Fraternal Order of Police Associates, which raises funds through the year and seeks donations. He thanked the officers and their families for donating their time to make some Christmas cheer for area children.
“It’s very important to us to be involved in our community. We feel very blessed to live around and work in Bridgeport. It’s a wonderful community and the Bridgeport school district does a great job and we’re happy to partner with them.”
Copeland said the officers look forward to spending time with the community’s children during this festive season as part of the mission to both protect and to serve.
“It really just brings some of the Christmas magic back, to see the excitement in the children’s eyes and just bring us back to the whole meaning of Christmas, which is that it’s better to give than to receive. Our officers look forward to this each and every year.”
Copeland said the department was also happy to strengthen its partnership with Bridgeport Schools.
“The Bridgeport school district is an absolutely wonderful group of professionals. Mr. (Brent) Ripley is the superintendent. Under his leadership they are very collaborative. They work with us on a regular basis. Very good people. Very caring folks. You won’t find a more caring or giving community that Bridgeport, Ohio.”
Bridgeport Police Chief John Bumba agreed. He joined his officers and FOP members in wishing families a Merry Christmas.
“It’s a good thing to work with the kids.”
Officers like Sgt. Brenton Boston spoke to the kiddos as they toured the store. He asked about them and what they were looking for.
“It’s a great opportunity. It’s a good community outreach for the public. People that are less fortunate and sometimes just need a little help with Christmas can come in and they can be with an officer and walk around the store and pick out what they want.”
Bridgeport Schools embraces everyone in its district and provides support as part of the Bulldog family.
One mother talked about how her family was welcomed to the community. She added her children were overjoyed.
“We’re grateful for it. It is very nice and it’s the first time we have ever been offered anything like this, so the kids are very appreciative,” she said. “We hope they continue to do this for children who need it.”
Another said they appreciated the special experience offered to Bridgeport Schools families by the partnership with the police.
“It’s a really great opportunity for families, especially when times are harder right now,” she said. “It’s a really great opportunity and a blessing for all of us, and it’s a great outreach program. It gets the police involved with the kids and sets a really good example.”
A mother expressed thanks as her family was going through checkout and the officer who helped pick out gifts unloaded the cart.
“They had a blast. They got a lot of stuff that was on their Christmas list. It definitely helps out.”
Bridgeport Middle School Principal Anne Haverty Lawson said the district was happy to work with their police department for this special occasion.
“It warms my heart and the holiday season to know that the community support is amazing for our students at Bridgeport Schools,” she said. “It’s neat that the police department’s come to us and asked for families in need.”
