Wildlife officers join ‘Shop With a Cop’

Dec. 21, 2022

Randy Zellers

Assistant Chief of Communications

TEXARKANA — Each December, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission wildlife officers join with other law enforcement agencies to help underprivileged and at-risk children in Arkansas. This year, officers from Lafayette and Miller counties paired with over 160 kids for a shopping spree called “Shop With a Cop” leading up to Christmas.

The hope is that this experience of shopping for toys alongside law enforcement agencies will instill in each child a positive experience with officers.

In Lafayette County, AGFC Corporal Dennis Hovarter, Wildlife Officer First Class Andrew Watson and Wildlife Officer Clint Park participated in the event at the Stamps Dollar General, where 40 kids shopped with a member of Law Enforcement for Christmas presents. Agencies involved included: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas State Police, Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas Highway Police, Arkansas Department of Probation and Parole, Lewisville Police Department and Stamps Police Department.

In Miller County, AGFC Sergeant Jay Thomas and Wildlife Officer Tanner Mills participated in the event at the Texarkana Walmart, where 127 kids were present. Agencies included: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas State Police, Texarkana Arkansas Police Department, Arkansas Department of Probation and Parole and the Texarkana, Arkansas, Fire Department.