Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
By Mark Huard
FAIRFIELD — The Cops Care for Kids program was initially started and funded by Kingston Paul, a former detective and captain at the Fairfield Police Department. The program grew from an idea that the police department wanted to build a great relationship with its community and especially the children.
The officers and staff began by delivering just one stuffed animal to approximately 50 children. The attached tag included all the officers names.
Many years later, the program has grown to delivering three small gifts and a stuffed animal to more than 200 children of the Fairfield community.
“I was very humbled when I was informed about this program when I first started,” recalled Police Chief Tom Gould. “I feel honored to work with employees who care so greatly for the youth in our community.”
The officers and other employees of the Fairfield Police Department now donate a portion of their checks every week towards the Cops Care for Kids program to ensure Paul’s idea and dream continued on. Even though Paul passed away last year, his memory and spirit live on with the program.
To ensure the program continued for many, many years, Paul left the program financially sound because he and his felow officers truly care about the children of the community.
“The officers of the Fairfield Police Department are very proud of this program and what it has grown to be,” said Officer Shanna Blodgett. “We look forward to our ‘wrapping’ party each year and to be able to see the joy and excitement on the boy’s and girl’s faces when we arrive to deliver. They simply light up”
PHOTO: Fairfield Police Officer Blake Wilder makes a child happy with an unexpected Christmas gift. (Tawni Lively/Central Maine Photography photo)
