By Meg Peters
Review Co-Editor
A hero is a hero, no matter what age.
No matter how he has served or to who, what uniform he wears, if any at all, a hero is someone who rises to a challenge with grace, dignity and the intention of helping others.
The Lake Orion Police Department knows plenty of the sorts, and a few less known heroes that could use the community’s help.
It’s that time of year again, where the Shop with a Hero program pairs local children with local uniformed men and women for a night of holiday cheer.
Shop with a Hero is sponsored by donations from the community, which affords each attending child a $150 gift certificate to Target in Auburn Hills. Each child, and their designated shopper from local law enforcement agencies, will have a chance to spruce up their holiday list, buying gifts either for themselves, or for their family members. A total of 120 children participated last year, after the LOPD received recommendations from local organizations of children who may have not had as bright of a Christmas.
Because Police Chief Jerry Narsh has a hard time turning any child away, he is looking to the community for help. The LOPD is requesting donations to help fund this program. All checks can be made out to Lake Orion Police Association, and mailed or dropped off at the police department at 21 E. Church St., Lake Orion, MI 48362.
This year the LOPD will be joined by crime fighters including Special Agents with the FBI, the Oakland University Police Department, and their personal heroes, members of the US Army 1775th’and 1776th’Military Police Units, including US Marines.
Special to this year are a few surprise heroes as well, Narsh said, hinting at the local, active veterans who have become such a mainstay for local events.
The 2015 Shop with a Hero event will take place Wednesday, December 16 at 6 p.m., where volunteers will assist the children in shopping, selecting much needed winter items, and other giveaways in the Target shopping center.
For more information, stay tuned to the LOPD Facebook page, or contact the police department at?248-693-8321.