Shop With a Cop Huge Success, Despite Weather

The Tehachapi community had a new holiday event this year for some of their more disadvantaged kids.

In what is to become an annual holiday event, principals of each local school selected candidates for the community's first "Shop With a Cop" event.

14 children were selected for a free buffet breakfast at the Highway-58 Restaurant.

Upon arrival, each child was pared with their own Police Officer or Deputy Sheriff.

Law enforcement agencies that were able to participate were Tehachapi City Police Dept, Bear Valley Springs Police Department, Stallion Springs and Kern County Sheriff's Department, along with our local Railroad Police Officer.

All were off duty and participated on their own time. They enjoy interacting with and doing something special for, the children of Tehachapi.

After breakfast, a caravan of 14 police vehicles, with lights flashing, rolled down Tehachapi Blvd and into K-Mart.

Through the hard work of Tehachapi Crime Prevention Officer Teri Cryer and Tehachapi Detective Denise Brown, funds were collected from various local business owners and each child was presented with a pre-paid K-Mart gift card.

For over an hour the police officers and the young delighted shoppers roamed the store.

Many of the selfless the children bought gifts not just for themselves but their Moms, Dads and siblings as well.

As the boys and girls worked over the toy and clothing isles, Santa arrived on a break from greeting visitors at Kenny and Ryan's Christmas Tree lot across the street.

During his visit he observed the children's selections and was heard to say, "What a delight now I am able to cross some items off my list. That bag gets heavy and I'm not getting any younger these days."

The Tehachapi Police Department, participating law enforcement agencies and The Loop newspaper wish to thank those business who contributed money, food and time. It's through their kindness that the day became very special for some of your younger citizens.

Business or individuals wishing to participate next year are encouraged to contact the Tehachapi Police Dept. Crime Prevention Officer Teri Cryer at

661-822-2222 Ext#117.

Donor List

K-Mart, 58 Restaurant, Dave's Auto Repair, Barry's Barber Shop, ACME School of Driving, Selecta Switch, Scott's Auto Body, Dr. Jones, DDS, The Heat Source, Shofner Auto & Construction Equipment Repair, Napa Auto Parts, Mountain Paint And Auto Repair, M&M Sports, Mercury Graphics.