My Experience With "Shop With a Cop"

Park Ranger Benson shops for Christmas gifts with Anastasia. Also present: Anastasia's sister, Pennsylvania State Trooper Bobanic, and Santa.

NPS PHOTO

As a law enforcement officer at Friendship Hill National Historic Site and Fort Necessity National Battlefield, my duties give me a lot of different experiences. On December 18, 2017, I found myself at the Mount Pleasant Walmart in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, shopping for Christmas presents with a three-year-old girl named Anastasia.

“Shop With A Cop” is an annual event organized by Pennsylvania State Police where local law enforcement agencies assist with taking children shopping for Christmas presents. The children involved have had unfortunate experiences with law enforcement, such as witnessing a fatal auto accident or a similar traumatic event. We don't want that tragedy to be the child's enduring memory of law enforcement. "Shop With a Cop" helps build a lasting positive relationship between children and law enforcement by giving them a positive experience with us.

I signed up for the event because it is important for children to see a professional National Park Service (NPS) ranger in uniform. Also, let’s face it, law enforcement is still a predominantly male career. I wanted the younger generation to be aware of the vast career opportunities that are out there. Finally, I wanted children to think of law enforcement in a positive light.

This year, approximately 20 children received $150 each to select toys that they liked. The money is raised through fundraisers by the State Troopers. I picked Anastasia to shop with because she reminded me of my goddaughter Arieana. My colleague Trooper Bobanic from the Pennsylvania State Police shopped with her little sister, so we stayed close. Two adults accompanied the children. They made sure that the little sister got everything that Anastasia picked out as well. She chose a doll, while I helped her pick out a stuffed kitten, which came with its own care kit and shelter. I hope this toy will teach her how to care for real animals in the future.

At the end, Anastasia asked if I was going to come into the car with the family. She wanted to take me home with her! I could see myself in Anastasia’s eyes, making that connection with a park ranger that I made when I was a girl. I am not saying Anastasia will grow up to be a park ranger, but I hope she will always remember this experience with the NPS.

Seeing the smile on that little girl's face was one of the best experiences I had working as a law enforcement officer with the NPS. I hope to participate again next year!