Law enforcement in Bedford County held a “Cookie with a Cop” event to build better relationships with children so they can grow up with positive feelings about police.

The event was hosted by the “Shop with a Cop” organization, and allowed kids to interact with police and not only make cookies, but get to see real police cars as well. Officers from the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, Bedford Borough Police and PA State Police participated in the event.

Raymond Koontz, age 9 of Bedford, was happy to decorate cookies to look like police officers, cars, and badges with Sheriff Wayne Emerick by his side.

“I thought it would be fun to come to make cookies, so I made some cookies today,” Raymond said.

Emerick told 6 News, “We try to build a real rapport with them, because as they grow and mature, they can grow up and trust police. We’re there for the public.”

Michael Whelan, a member of the organization, said events like these are for children of Bedford County to foster positive memories with local law enforcement.

“Having that positive impact early on builds that relationship for the rest of their life. We’re not this scary boogeyman. We’re here to help,” Whelan explained.

The kids really enjoyed exploring the police cars and getting a taste for being a police officer as well.

“They love the cars. They love the chance to get behind the wheel and experience what it’s like for a cop for a couple minutes,” Whelan said.

Altoona First Savings Bank and the Bedford Elks Country Club donated to the event so that they can continue to make positive experiences in the future.