Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
By Mark Huard
FAIRFIELD — Fairfield police officers carried out their annual Cops Care For Kids program, wearing Santa hats and delivering wrapped presents from their cruisers to 226 kids in 108 Fairfield households on Dec. 20.
The tradition was started by Kingston Paul in 2006.
At its inception, Paul bought all of the gifts and wrapped them himself to ensure more of the children in the community were able to have enjoyable Christmas memories with their families without worrying about financial stress.
The program has grown over the years and become an activity law enforcement employees take pride in carrying on. Officers met earlier in the month and spent a long evening in the town office basement wrapping presents for the event. The program now has an application process sent out through the school systems. It is no longer limited to struggling households and has been expanded to reach any Fairfield child. The officers focus on giving back to the community they love and spend so many hours protecting.
The officers recognize community outreach is a critical part of their job. They want children and adults to be able to join together, and their is nothing like magic of the holiday season to inspire good will among everyone. Though Paul has passed away, his heartfelt sentiment has continued. Paul donated $20,000 to the program, which has assisted in creating a stable program with longevity. Despite the large donation, officers still donate weekly to the cause out of their own pockets.
Police department staff participating in the annual Cops Care for Kids program were Capt. Paul St. Amand, officers Casey Dugas, Shanna Blodgett, Jordan Brooks, Joseph Pelletier, Nemiah Nattress, lake Wilder, Timothy MacArthur, Patrick Mank; dispatcher Jeanne Kempers; Sgt. Matthew Bard; Chief Thomas Gould; and Sgt. Matthew Wilcox.
The Fairfield Police Department has a vision of eventually expanding the program in hopes of focusing on community togetherness. They hope to hold an event at the community center allowing officers and families to have more direct interactions with each other for a longer period of time. These positive experiences are life changing for children adding positive memories and positive interactions with law enforcement. The vision is one of holiday treats, officer elves, a holiday movie and whatever else will bring a smile to the face of our children. The officers will not retire their “sleighs” though, as they will still do home deliveries to those not willing or able to attend the event.
PHOTO: Police department staff participating in the annual Cops Care for Kids program included, in front, from left, Capt. Paul St. Amand, officers Casey Dugas and Shanna Blodgett, dispatcher Jeanne Kempers and officers Jordan Brooks and Joseph Pelletier; in back, officer Patrick Mank, Sgt. Matthew Bard, officer Nemiah Nattress, Chief Thomas Gould, officers Blake Wilder and Timothy MacArthur and Sgt. Matthew Wilcox. (Tawni Lively Central Maine Photography photo)
