The third annual Shop with a Cop event took place on Saturday, December 20, 2025, bringing a morning of connection, encouragement, and holiday joy to foster children living in the Pahrump community. Organized by Tammy Engel with the Nye County Sheriff’s Office, the event paired local deputies with children for a hands-on experience designed to build trust, confidence, and lasting relationships.
This year’s event included 27 deputies and 33 children from Pahrump. Deputies personally picked up their assigned children from home and brought them to the local VFW, where a warm breakfast of pancakes and sausage was served. The meal was prepared by the VFW cook, Tish, and the room was set with white placemats and candy canes, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere. Santa and Mrs. Claus also made a special appearance, giving each child the opportunity to visit and take photos before the day continued.
Following breakfast, deputies and children traveled together through Pahrump in a cheerful convoy with lights and sirens on their way to Walmart. Each child received $100 to spend on whatever they chose, turning the shopping trip into a moment of excitement and independence. After checking out near the garden center, Walmart staff hosted a cookie-decorating table, allowing the children to enjoy one more creative activity before heading home. Deputies then personally returned each child safely to their residence.
The program relies on DCFS to provide the names of local foster children. Once Engel receives the children’s ages and foster parent contact information, she reaches out directly to explain the program and let families know their child has been selected. Engel shared that no foster parent has ever declined participation.
Captain Harry Means of the Nye County Sheriff’s Office said the event holds deep personal meaning and allows deputies to connect with children beyond a single day.
“Having foster kids participate in Shop with a Cop makes this program incredibly personal for me,” Means said. “I grew up in foster care, so I understand what these kids are going through. It’s more than just a fun morning. We talk about life, school, and their future, and I make sure they know that being a foster kid doesn’t define them or limit what they can achieve. What’s really special is seeing them afterward—at school or around town—when they come up and tell me what’s going on in their lives. They know they have someone in their corner.”
The event was made possible through the support of local sponsors, including the VFW, Walmart, NextEra Energy, Pahrump Wash Company, and Friends of the Nye County Sheriff’s Office. Together, deputies, organizers, and community partners helped create a meaningful holiday experience rooted in care, encouragement, and the strong sense of community that defines Pahrump.
*Photos provided by Tammy Engel.
