These Valley kids were happy to spend the day with cops

BOARDMAN

Sometimes it’s a good thing to be within reach of the law’s long arm.

Forty youths from around the area found that out Saturday when they got the chance to pair up with deputy sheriffs for a trip to McDonald’s for breakfast, followed by some Christmas shopping and a movie, all courtesy of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 141.

The young shoppers were driven to McDonald’s on Boardman-Canfield Road, where they were treated to breakfast. Then, they were loaded into limousines and driven to Kmart on Boardman-Poland Road, escorted by sheriff’s cruisers with lights and sirens blaring.

“When people asked us who was in the limos, we told them it was Justin Bieber,” T.J. Assion, Local 141 president., said, laughing.

Each child was given a gift card worth $110 and had about an hour to spend shopping, whether for themselves or for their family and friends.

Deputy Lenny Burke said he’s participated in the event nearly every year because he likes what it represents.

“It’s a nice way to give back to the community,” said Burke. “That’s the spirit of Christmas, to give something to someone who maybe doesn’t have so much.”

Read about their excursion in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.