From left: Linda Allen, Austin Busz, Tyler Busz, KCSD Officer Roberto Martinez and SPD Officer Kyle Denton.

WARSAW — The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 149 held their annual Christmas with a Cop event at 5:15 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, at Meijer in Warsaw.

Police departments from throughout the county — city, town and county departments — participated in the event, which was said to be the largest event yet. Lutheran EMS was also a participant.

Police cars started rolling in around 5:15 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21.

The FOP and Meijer paired up for the event to allow children who may not have been able to experience Christmas this year an opportunity to receive holiday cheer with the help of local police departments. The event is mostly hosted as a result of donations from people in the Kosciusko County Community.

WPD Officer Rogelio Navarro and Juan getting ready to shop.

“We had fundraisers all year in order to support this and other events,” said Paul Heaton, a Warsaw police officer. “We like it because the kids shop, and we get to help families in need.”

Over 80 children from around Kosciusko County were helped last night as a result of the event.

“We made contact with the families, and now we are here helping them buy clothes they need, and of course, toys,” Heaton said.

Cars were lined up outside Meijer to help raise awareness for the event.

Those interested in assisting FOP Lodge No. 149 with future events can visit them at www.fop149.com and click on the “donate” button for Credit Card or PayPal donations. To donate by check, you can make them payable to FOP Lodge No. 149.