Hundreds of children chosen from all around the County got their holidays started early as part of this year’s Shop with a Cop event. Local, state and federal law enforcement take part in the joyful event including San Diego County’s Probation, Sheriff and District Attorney agencies.
Since 1994, the annual event pairs 300 third grade students, selected by their teachers across the various school districts, with a law enforcement friend for the day. The children are whisked away for a magical morning that includes breakfast and a special performance at Sea World that ends with a $200 shopping spree at Target and a photo with Santa Claus.
“I think I was more excited about it than this guy. I 
felt like it was Christmas for me,” said Supervising Probation Officer Ricardo Diaz, who volunteered for the first time. He was paired with Yohan from Chula Vista, who was so happy to participate. Yohan’s plan initially was to buy gift cards, but when told gift cards were not options, he headed straight to the video games. Officer Diaz helped him keep track of how much money he had left to spend and to remind him to get something for his little sister.
As the two stood in a long line to pay for his toy haul, Yohan said it’d been a great day and that Diaz had acted “like the perfect dad.” In response, Diaz said that melted his heart and gave him a hug.
Back in the crowded toy aisle, District Attorney Supervisor Dave Iorillo helped Noah, 9, of San Diego make decisions. Of 28 years in law enforcement, Iorillo said he’s been doing this for 16 years now. “I think it’s important to give back to the kids,” he said.
Mayala, 8, of Valley Center, who was paired with Sheriff’s Deputy Cedric Roldan said, “I thought it’d be fun and it was!”
This year’s event on Sat., Dec. 6 was hosted by El Cajon Police Department with STAR/PAL, a not-for-profit organization that builds relationships between youth and law enforcement in historically underserved communities.
