QUAKERTOWN, Pa. — The Quakertown Borough Police Department held its annual Shop With a Cop event on Tuesday evening, bringing together 225 children and more than 75 police officers for one of the department’s largest community outreach nights of the year.
Leading the event was Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree, who stood outside the Walmart entrance welcoming families as buses and cars arrived. Chief McElree emphasized the importance of the night, noting that the program helps build trust and meaningful connections between officers and the youth they serve.
Officers from multiple divisions escorted children through the store, helping them pick out holiday gifts for themselves and their families. Volunteers and Walmart staff assisted throughout the evening, creating a safe and organized environment as large groups entered the store in waves.
Barricades and traffic-control points were set up outside to manage the high turnout, with officers ensuring smooth and safe movement through the parking lot. Despite the size of the event, operations ran smoothly, and organizers said this year’s turnout was one of the strongest yet.
Chief McElree praised the community and local sponsors for making the night possible, calling Shop With a Cop “one of the most rewarding events we take part in each year.”
