SAN DIEGO – On December 2, 2023, a group of detectives from the California Department of Insurance participated in the department’s first Shop with a Cop charity event in San Diego. The event itself in San Diego is in its 30th year. This event requires fundraising and logistical planning that occurs throughout the year.
“We selected our school, Sandburg Elementary, a few months ago. The school, along with StarPAL, selected the three children for the event. Children are selected based upon their family and/or financial situation. A week prior to the big event, we met, in uniform, with our children and their parents to cover the details of the event. Many thanks to the California Association of Criminal Investigators (CACI) for contributing to our fundraising for the event,” said CACI and California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Member, Detective Sergeant David Hendron.
Bright and early on Saturday, December 2nd, the detectives picked up the three children and transported them to Sea World for breakfast, the event program, and a dolphin show.
“All of our personnel were in Class A uniform. It was exciting being part of the 300-plus officers for the event, where virtually every law enforcement agency (local, state, and federal) operating in San Diego County was represented,” said Hendron.
After the Sea World events, the children got the excitement of riding in vehicles with lights and sirens on as they made their way to Target in the Sports Arena area of San Diego. Adding to the thrill of it, the entire route was blocked off by agency motor officers. At Target, each child had $200.00 tax free dollars to spend on themselves, family, or friends. Following the shopping, Afterwards, the children had access to gift wrapping if they wished. Following the gift wrapping, CDI detectives drove the children back to their school where their parents awaited their arrival.
“Happy smiles, loads of gifts, and lifetime memories were the result of the day,” said Hendron. “It was a wonderful event with the children and our fellow law enforcement officers and command staff from throughout San Diego. This was a positive way to represent our department and give back to the community. Thank you to the CDI command staff for allowing us to participate in this meaningful event and to CACI for the donation. I am hopeful that we will be allowed to continue this endeavor, with the 2024 event planning beginning in February 2024.”
