Police Chief Troy Cooper and Hayler Wah. Photo by Chelsea Laskowski.
A seven-year-old boy at Prince Albert Police’s annual Shop with a Cop event didn’t know it at first, but he was paired up with the city’s top cop.
Hayler Wah had already made it to the Canadian Tire checkout, focused on the Nerf gun in his cart, when Police Chief Troy Cooper told him “I’m the chief.”
“Troy? The Chief? Really? That’s why you have a crown!” Wah exclaimed, pointing at the brass on Cooper’s jacket.
Wah was one of 25 kids who were picked up by a charter bus from different Prince Albert schools and joined forces with a local officer on Thursday afternoon for the $100 holiday shopping spree.
This was the first time Sargeant Adam Dunn, who’s been an officer for 14 years, has been able to participate in Shop with a Cop. With a catch in his throat, Dunn said his time with Zahanna Head-Burns was a humbling experience.
“I spoke with her for a few minutes on the bus about, you know, we have a limited amount of money that’s donated to us to share with the kids and buy gifts. Not once did she say anything for herself,” Dunn said.
Even with the $15 left, Head-Burns said she planned to buy and share some candy with Dunn and the other officers “”because they took me on a ride and they’ve been so nice to me.”
Zahanna Head-Burns scans some candy to buy for police officers. Photo by Chelsea Laskowski.
She said the day was “amazing because I never got to hang out with police before and I never went shopping with a policeman,” and she was most looking forward to a “very good Christmas.”
Police say it’s an unforgettable holiday shopping experience for both the kids and their officers, and the day wrapped up with a trip to McDonalds for lunch.
The kids are in Grade 1 to 6 at different schools all over the city.
Sgt. Adam Dunn and Head-Burns scan the store. Photo by Chelsea Laskowski