Tea party gives to Shop with Cop
The Fraternal Order of Police is still fundraising for the annual event.
Organizers of Shop with a Cop are encouraged by the support received from the community as they plan for the annual event. The Coosa Valley Fraternal Order of Police has carried on the tradition for 16 years and hopes to help at least 70 children this year.
Donations are still being accepted, but a contribution of $600 from the Rome Tea Party will help considerably, said Chris Fincher, president of the Coosa Valley FOP. “I’m always amazed by the outpouring of support for our cause. It’s truly a Christmas miracle.
“The FOP has been selling T-shirts to raise money for Shop with a Cop, but there are an equal number of donations at our fundraiser events as there are people buying T-shirts,” Fincher said. The T-shirts may be purchased at the Floyd County Police Department, 5 Government Plaza.
Fincher was presented with the donation from Tea Party Chairman Mike Morton and members of the Rome Tea Party.
Morton said the donation represents their support of helping needy children in the community as well as support for law enforcement everywhere. He said their monthly expectations toward the goal were easily achieved.
“Our first goal is to provide Christmas for children, but also for them to get to know these cops and see their character up close,” Morton said. “Perhaps one day they will say ‘thank you’ and build one more relationship in the community.”
Tea party member Randy Smith agreed. “We very much appreciate the police and all the different agencies in this county. We believe that we have an idea of the commitment and life plans it takes to be a police officer.”
“We have watched with trepidation and disgust as some in our nation want to malign and downgrade our police forces in certain cities, and the police in general. On behalf of the Rome Tea Party we want you to know how much we appreciate the blue and support the blue,” Smith said.