The holiday season is always a busy time for the Chadron Police Department as added to its normal duties are the hustle and bustle of shoppers and travelers.
The holiday season also brings two special programs the Chadron police run on their own – Turkeys for Tickets and Shop with a Cop.
Police Chief Rick Hickstein says Turkeys for Tickets, which began before Thanksgiving, gives his officers the chance to give drivers a certificate for a turkey instead of a ticket for minor traffic violations.
Chief Hickstein doesn’t know for sure if Turkeys for Tickets has increased traffic safety, but thinks it has and is absolutely convinced it’s a 100% success when it comes to officer morale and public perception of the Chadron Police Department.
Shop With A Cop has officers take Chadron students from less fortunate families to buy Christmas gifts and needed items for their families. Officer Derek Bauer is this year’s coordinator and says Shop With A Cop works closely with another program at Wahlstrom Ford.
While donations for Shop With A Cop come in year-round, Officer Bauer says the post-Thanksgiving period is an important time for fundraising as big empty water bottles go up at businesses all around town for donations with the slogan “A Little Change Can Make a BIG Difference!”
Officer Bauer says Shop With A Cop is a great way for the officers and children to get to know each other through experiences that are always fun and exciting and sometimes interesting for both.
Chief Hickstein says the entire Chadron Police Department offers a great big Thank You to the generous citizens and businesses for their years of support for Shop With A Cop and to the Chadron Walmart and several anonymous sponsors of Turkeys for Tickets.
Hickstein and Bauer say donations for both programs may be brought in or mailed to the Chadron Police Department at 125 Main Street or dropped off at FNBO by letting the teller know you wish for the donation to go to “Shop with a Cop” program.
If you have questions about either program or donations, feel free to contact the Chadron Police Department at 308-432-0510 and ask for Officer Derek Bauer.