This year’s annual “Shop with a Cop” event, hosted by the Nye County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO), provided a day of holiday cheer and meaningful connections for 22 local foster children. Held on Monday, December 23rd, the event paired each child with one of 21 law enforcement officers for a morning of shopping and bonding. The event was made possible through community partnerships, with NextEra Energy funding the shopping excursions, Mom’s Diner providing breakfast, and the Town of Pahrump offering the Bob Ruud Community Center as a venue.
Captain Harry Means of the NCSO emphasized the importance of this event, not just for the kids but for the officers as well. “We partner with DCFS to do this with local foster kids,” Means shared. “For many of these kids, their interactions with us were during traumatic events in their lives where they might not understand why we had to be involved and possibly see us in a negative light. This gives us the opportunity to give back to them, interacting in a positive manner.”
The day began with a hearty breakfast at the Bob Ruud Community Center, where children and officers gathered before heading to local stores. Each child had the chance to pick out gifts for themselves and their families, guided by their officer chaperones. For many children, this experience is a rare moment of joy and attention, a break from the challenges they face in their daily lives.
The impact of the event runs deep for Captain Means, who reflected on his own experiences growing up. “For me personally, this is very important. As a former foster kid, I know what they’re going through. Getting out of a bad situation doesn’t make the world sunshine and rainbows. There’s a lot to process and a range of emotions and feelings. It’s important to feel special, and we try to give that feeling to each kid during this event.”
The bonds formed during the day extended beyond shopping. Means noted a particularly meaningful interaction with two girls who expressed their dreams of becoming police officers. “We talked about what that process looks like, what the job is like, and what they need to do to prepare themselves,” he said.
“Shop with a Cop” continues to be a highlight of the holiday season in Nye County, fostering goodwill and strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community. It’s an event that not only brings smiles but also helps build bridges of understanding and hope for a brighter future.
