CHUBBUCK – A group of children made lifelong memories with local police officers over the weekend.

Cops & Kids, known formally as Shop with a Cop, organized by the Bannock County Fraternal Order of Police, was held in Pocatello on Saturday morning. The event, where participating children go shopping with a police officer for family Christmas gifts, is about more than just the presents.

“We want them to not be scared of officers. We want them to participate with us and (be) comfortable around officers … (so) if they’re in trouble or need help, that officers are someone they go to, not someone to be afraid of,” said Sgt. Jodi Weaver, who coordinates the program with the participating agencies.

EastIdahoNews.com followed Cpl. Trent Smith of the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office as he took 6-

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