Comanche Nation Police, Fire Host Annual Shop with a Cop

On Wednesday, December 18, Comanche Nation Police and Fire Departments hosted their annual shop with a cop, which began at Nacho Mamas and ended at Walmart.

Lt. Robert Chavez held a bowling fundraiser to help provide the experience to 15 youth.

“I've done it in the past. It's a little chaotic,” he said. “Kids are really, really happy. They don't get this every day.”

This was the first Shop with a Cop for Comanche Nation Fire Chief Kyle Tahpay, who also participated in the bowling event and received several donations.

“My favorite part was watching Santa Claus and the Grinch, which I want to say a shout out to Liberty National Bank for actually purchasing a Santa suit for us. It was a really fantastic job,” he said. “My guys did really good as playing the parts of Santa and the Grinch. It was just seeing the faces and all the pictures getting taken”

They also received help from the Citizens of Potawatomi Nation. 

Chavez said it felt good to provide the Christmas event.

“It always feels good making kids happy, making them smile. That's what Christmas is all about,” he said. “It's making them kids happy, making them smile. You can't; it's almost like Santa Claus, you know, you're just trying to make them all happy.”

Tahpay said he enjoyed working with law enforcement. 

“Puts a smile on my face when I see the kids getting gifts and wanting to take pictures, like I said, again, with the Grinch and the Santa,” he said. “It's really fantastic actually being in this position to work with law enforcement and get this done.”

Tahpay said Santa will still be available throughout the Christmas season.

“Santa Claus ain't done yet, so I mean, we'll be out tomorrow and be out and about, so you can actually try to look for us or follow us on Facebook,” he said. “We're always putting a post out there and we'll have Santa available anytime if there's anybody that needs him before Christmas is over with.”

Chavez said the holiday is for people to get together.

“A lot of people can't at this time due to medical, people lose loved ones, so all we have left is sharing time together, making the kids happy and being with family,” he said.

Chavez said the Nation, Fire Department and ICW helped put on Shop with a Cop.

The departments also delivered presents on Thursday, December 19.