16th Annual Shop with a Cop a colossal success Published Dec. 12, 2012 By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Personnel from the 366th Security Forces Squadron, Mountain Home Police and Elmore County Sheriff's Departments, fellow Gunfighters, volunteers and of course extremely excited children converged at the local Wal-Mart, Dec. 1, 2012, for the 16th annual Shop with a Cop event. The program is designed to help promote a positive civilian and military police force image in the local community while giving children a great holiday season. After leaving the Elk's Lodge, children, officers and 366th SFS personnel convoyed to their destination with lights and sirens roaring. Once they arrived many of the 116 children used this opportunity to pick out presents for family members instead of just buying toys for themselves. "Having the opportunity to witness the joy on these children's faces by being able to buy gifts for their families as well as themselves was extremely rewarding," said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Price, 366th SFS police services noncommissioned officer-in-charge. "This event is one important part of our base mission and ensures the children and families from the local area, that are part of the Gunfighter community, are taken care of during the holiday season." More than $8,700 in gifts were donated for the children to spend, along with numerous volunteers donated their own money when the kids exceeded their allotted amounts. Volunteers also helped wrap gifts for the children as they boys and girls lined up to visit Santa. "It was one of the best experiences of my life and I am happy I could help bring joy to all these families," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Smith, 366th SFS police services staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge. "It was awesome watching everyone come together and see the happy smiles on the children's faces."