Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack Hold Annual ‘Shop With A Cop’ Event

BERLIN, Md. – While many people were sleeping dozens of officers at the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack on Saturday hung out with students from across Worcester County as part of their Shop With A Cop Event.

The annual holiday event pairs up 28 elementary school students with an officer to do all sorts of activities.

Before meeting at Walmart to buy new toys together the kids will get to wear a badge and even cuddle with a friendly four-legged K-9 partner.

According to Lieutenant Earl Starner, the meet and greet is a chance for law enforcement to build a relationship with the younger generation.

“We all love our young people,” said Starner.

“So, it’s just an incredible opportunity for us to show support for the kids that we love and it’s an opportunity for us to support the community, which is such an important part of what we do in law enforcement,” said Starner.

Starner also said the Worcester County Board of Education was responsible for helping to bring these students to the holiday event.