For 11 local children, the holidays are off to an extra special start.
The Murrieta Police Officers Association hosted its second annual "Shop With a Cop" Saturday morning thanks to the help of some local sponsors.
The day kicked off when the Murrieta schoolchildren and their families were greeted at the Murrieta Police Department by off-duty officers.
Lights and sirens were switched on as a convoy of patrol cars carried the children to nearby Chick-fil-A on Madison Avenue for a complimentary breakfast. There, the children were greeted by Jenny Jones, owner operator of the Murrieta Chick-fil-A.
Then it was off to Walmart to shop, where store manager Shaura Olson was anxiously awaiting their arrival with personalized, decorated shopping carts
Once children made their selections at Walmart, it was back to the police station.
Then a phone call came in from the North Pole. Murrieta police Chief Mike Baray took the call from the briefing room, and announced Santa Claus was expected to arrive at any minute.
The kids were surprised with more gifts.
Officer Aaron Harwick, who serves as vice president of the Murrieta Police Officers Association, expressed gratitude to community sponsors who helped make this year's event possible.
"It is a program that exists at police departments around the country and I think we are fortunate to have it in Murrieta now. It is a program run and managed by the Murrieta Police Officers Association with the blessing of Chief Baray. All personnel are off duty and on their own time," said Harwick, who first brought Shop With a Cop to Murrieta last year.
"We are fortunate to have businesses in the community that are willing to support this program. Walmart and Chick-fil-A have again stepped up to assist us and this year. We are also excited to include Target amongst our sponsors and supporters."
