Mesquite Local News

Time For Shop With A Cop

Posting Date: 11-21-2009

(Letter to the Editor)

It’s hard to believe, but the Christmas Season is quickly approaching and soon will be upon us.

Once again, the Mesquite Police Officer’s Association (MPOA) will be sponsoring the “Shop with a Cop” event.

This annual event will be held on Thursday, Dec. 17.

For years, the MPOA has sponsored this program and thoroughly enjoyed taking the children shopping for Christmas.

This program continues to be one of the most rewarding experiences for both the officers and the children.

We are currently soliciting for donations for the program this year.

Would you, your company, or your organization be willing to make a donation?

We realize you are probably inundated with requests during the year, but we hope you’ll consider this request as something special for the children.

One of the greatest benefits of this program is the one-on-one relationships created by the officers being with the children during this event.

The program adds a positive image from the perspective of the children toward the police.

In case you are not aware, the funds derived for this program are used to take those less fortunate shopping for Christmas.

At times, we (MPOA) assist families and individuals who are in need at this time of year.

These cases seem to be rare, but throughout the Christmas season they do occur.

We have no doubt this event will be a huge success, like in the past.

Last year, we took 52 children shopping and assisted two families.

Our expenditures for the program were in excess of $7,800.

As you can see by the numbers, it takes a significant amount of funds to support a program like this.

The MPOA has a long standing tradition of being involved with the youth in the community and we would like to continue.

If you care to make a donation, please make any checks payable to; The Mesquite Police Officer’s Association.

If personal contact is needed, don’t hesitate to call upon one of the four individuals listed below.

We can be reached at the Mesquite Police Department, (702) 346-5262.

We would like to thank you in advance for your support.

-Mesquite Police Officer’s Association

Ron Richmond, President; Robert W. Everett, Vice President; Celia Hoggard, Treasurer; Ian Douglas, Secretary

Commentary

Posted Date: 11/22/2009
The MPOA is not a charitable organization. They are a labor union. What security does the MPOA provide the money donated for this event does not go into the defense fund for errant officers? This question has been asked many times and the MPOA has yet to answer.
By: -

Posted Date: 11/25/2009
Are you serious????? If you would know the amount spend on these kids for Shop with a Cop and the amount taken in, believe me, MPOA spends a small fortune of their own money on this project! Why do you idiots have to always criticize something that is good for the kids?
By: local

Posted Date: 11/25/2009
Dear “-, “ I’m writing this response in regard to your scathing comment alluding to the point that we, as MPOA members use money solicited for the MANY programs we offer the community as a Defense Fund. First and foremost, I’ve only lived in Mesquite a little over 3 years, but I've spent an entire lifetime in Law Enforcement. I worked exceptionally hard my entire career as a police officer to make things better for others and try to earn a good living and provide for my family. I take exception to the comment about the MPOA. Yes, the MPOA is, was and will probably always be a labor union. We are not trying to hide that fact. Getting to the point, the MPOA has answered your question over and over again, but one additional time I'll try to respond and keep my composure without saying something I'll regret later. We, as members of the MPOA pay monthly dues to belong to PORAN (Police Officer's Research Association of Nevada, Inc.). Our personal dues payment covers a defense fund. Ok, here it is one more time; OUR DUES IS PAID BY EACH MEMBER EVERY MONTH TO COVER A DEFENSE FUND. Do you understand that? I came to Mesquite and joined the police department with intentions of being nothing more than a street cop. I couldn't do it. I witnessed firsthand what the MPOA was and what it stood for. I was extremely involved in the community where I came from and after seeing what the MPOA does for this community, I became more involved. This isn’t about me though, it’s about an attempt to defame the MPOA for what they do and how they give back to the community. The MPOA members put in long hours at times, hard work and make personal sacrifices just to try to make things better for many people in this community. I really take exception to someone who claims differently. Why must you hide behind "-" instead of placing a name under the poison pen authorship of this comment? We have explained countless times that the donations for Shop with a Cop and other programs DO NOT go for our Defense Fund., our dues cover that topic. I really wish this response would put the issue to rest. I welcome a one on one conversation with you if this is not sufficient. To place doubt in anyone's mind about this truly caring organization is unfair, unjust, and wrong. We continue to have support and provide programs for many people in this community as many realize. It's just a shame some of the naysayers must respond in the terms that attempt to ruin the image of an organization. We do things for this community that many others wouldn't do, including our job. Robert W. Everett Vice-President Mesquite Police Officer's Association
By: Robert W. Everett

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