OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) - 12 Wapello County children went shopping with law enforcement officers Monday as part of a 35-year tradition that helps local families during the holidays.

Officer Stephanie Nuno of the Wapello County Sheriff’s Department participated in Shop with a Cop for the first time. She was paired with a boy who took time to open up.

“I was just telling his teacher in the car he was kind of a little bit timid. He wasn’t talking much so I’m like I wonder if he knows what he is going to want,” Nuno said. “I feel like getting him in this environment he’s able to get some of the stuff he wants and opening up a little bit more, so it makes me happy.”

The shopping experience led the pair to the bike aisle, where a connection formed between officer and child.

“I feel honestly exc

See Full Page