BUILDING BRIDGES

It’s hard to think of a cop as threatening and unapproachable when he’s carrying a fluffy, four-foot tall pink and purple unicorn. And that’s kind of the point behind Christmas With a Cop. Organized by Kingfisher Police Department and the ladies’ auxiliary and funded by generous community donations, the program pairs children from financially challenged families with local officers and their spouses for a day of shopping for and wrapping a slew of gifts for their entire families. Saturday’s event, the third annual, included 11 children (see related photo Page 11A) and more than twice that many cops and helpers. Kids shared the dual joy of being both givers and receivers and officers had the chance to build new and hopefully lasting positive relationships with the community they serve. From top left, Quinton Cline and Sophie Ellis sort gifts; Jason East and Bentley Williams work on wrapping; Alexander Ponce carries a portion of his gifts; bottom, Justin Trumbley and Declan Matthews choose paper; Kynslie Hickerson balances on one leg to add a present to her stack as Dusti Brodrick keeps wrapping. [KT&FP Staff]