To protect and serve, those are the orders police officers follow.
Saturday morning, Decatur police served the community in a different way.
"We do it to build a relationship with these kids, and these families a lot of times, they see us in a different light, so we are here today to build a positive relationship with the families here in Decatur," Scott Rosenberry, a detective with the Decatur Police Department.
The annual Shop with a Cop charity event helps children and families struggling during the holiday season.
"I got a ball and I got some dolls and I got a baby toy," said 8-year-old Mirkal Pole with excitement in her voice.
She is just one of many children whose holidays are made little happier by the men and women in blue.
"Every time I contact the kids and parents each year, the parents are very thankful and appreciative of what we are doing," added Rosenberry.
Each child enjoying their time getting to know an officer.
"My favorite part is when he got lost all over the stores," said Pole. Â
Each officer treasuring their time with the young residents in the community they serve.Â
"The favorite part for me is seeing the faces on these kids when they leave here knowing that they got to pick something out that they wanted," expresses Rosenberry.
An act of service putting everyone in the holiday spirit.
