In a heartwarming, full-circle moment, Huntingburg, Indiana, Police Officer Jorge Dubon had the opportunity to participate in Cops and Kids, an annual tradition in Dubois County since 2001 that left a lasting impression on him as a young child.
Dubon’s connection to Cops and Kids dates back to his early childhood when he, at the age of 3 or 4, experienced the magic of shopping with local police officers and their families during the holidays.
Those memories, captured in family photo albums, left an indelible mark on young Dubon, inspiring his lifelong ambition to become a police officer.
Reflecting on his childhood experience, Dubon shared: “It was the coolest thing ever as a little kid. I grew up wanting to be a cop, and I feel like it’s what I was meant to do.”
Dubon fulfilled his childhood dream two years ago when he joined the Huntingburg Police Department, and this year marked his first opportunity to participate in Cops and Kids as a police officer.
Teamed up with a young partner named Jendry, Dubon aimed to provide an unforgettable experience, just as he had once enjoyed.
“It was cool for me, and I wanted to be able to offer that to someone else,” Dubon explained.
Organized by the Fraternal Order of Police #138 Wood Capital Lodge, Cops and Kids pairs local law enforcement officers with children for a shopping spree funded by donations from the community.
This year, 40 children had the chance to shop with officers and their family members. The budget, divided between needs and wants, ensures that each child receives essential items alongside some fun gifts of their choosing.
Following the shopping excursion at Walmart, the children, accompanied by a police escort, headed to The Parklands for a meeting with Santa Claus and a delightful lunch. McDonald’s generously provided 150 Happy Meals for all participants.
For Dubon, the experience was not only about creating a joyful day for Jendry, but also about reflecting on his own past and how events like these make a difference in children’s lives.
Growing up in a community where English wasn’t the first language for many families, Dubon said that Shop With a Cop events had a powerful impact on fostering positive relationships between the police and the community.
Master Trooper Trey Lytton, who had unknowingly made an impact on a young Dubon during a previous Cops and Kids event, shared the emotional experience of discovering the influence he had on Dubon’s career choice.
“If I had a small impact on Jorge becoming an officer, it makes me feel good,” Lytton said.
Dubon now finds himself in that same position, to guide and inspire the next generation of children in his community. “Being able to do it was probably one of the highlights of my career here,” Dubon shared.
