Camden Central School District -

From discovering the perfect gift, to finding something that makes the occasion complete, holiday shopping can be full of memories for young and old. With the help of local law enforcement officers, 20 third grade students from Camden and McConnellsville Elementary Schools made shopping memories of their own on Wednesday, December 3rd.

On that day, the Camden Central School District, Camden Police Department, Camden Police Benevolent Association, and International Wire partnered to continue the annual “Shop With A Cop” initiative for 2025. Like similar events across the country, the event pairs students that have some understanding of need with volunteering law enforcement officers for a day of holiday shopping and community spirit they’ll never forget.

This is the second year of a renewed version of the highly anticipated event, which returned in 2024 after a brief absence. In years past, the event was a long-running highlight of the District’s calendar. Keeping that excitement alive was important for Camden Police Chief Sean Redden, and Camden Elementary School fourth grade teacher Amy Paul, and counselor Kelly Mirabelli. Paul and Mirabelli are in their second year coordinating the District’s involvement in this event, with assistance from McConnellsville counselor Janine Anderalli.

Three different agencies were represented among the 20 participating officers. The Camden Police Department had six officers participate, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office had a total of seven officers involved, and the New York State Police also had seven members of its ranks join students and staff for the day.

With a $150.00 shopping budget in hand provided by the Camden Police Benevolent Association, each student took to the aisles of the Rome, NY Walmart SuperCenter with their own unique objectives. Some students took the opportunity to buy gifts for themselves, or their loved ones. Outerwear for the winter season, sports equipment, and outfits for upcoming holiday concerts were popular choices alongside toys.

Following their shopping trip, students travelled back to Camden for lunch at International Wire headquarters, with many of the participating officers joining in the fun. A special guest was also present, as Santa Claus paid a visit to give each child a treat before returning to school to finish their day. International Wire’s participation was coordinated by Kerri Grant and Heather Van Winkle.

Along the way, the participating students build a relationship with the officers. For Paul and Mirabelli, seeing those bonds form is among the rewarding outcomes of coordinating this event.

“The kindness and generosity of these law enforcement officers and their excitement at meeting our students is one of the things that makes this day special for us,” They said. “Also, seeing our students become so comfortable and excited to get to know the police officers they shop with is an added layer of this special day. Seeing the smiles on everyone's faces during the event shows how positive an experience it is for everyone involved.”

For Camden Police Chief Sean Redden, the event is his favorite on the calendar.

“What makes this experience so meaningful for me is the opportunity it gives our different law enforcement agencies to connect with the next generation in such a positive and personal way,” Redden said. “This year, being able to spend time with 20 third-grade students from Camden and McConnellsville Elementary was incredibly rewarding. Seeing the excitement on their faces and knowing that, for many of them, this may have been their first personal interaction with law enforcement is something I don’t take lightly. It is also a powerful reminder of the strong bond between our departments and the community we serve.”

Redden was also excited that the event’s growth met the goals he set last year. In 2024, he stated that he wanted to reach 20 officer/student pairings this year. That happened in 2025 with the support of the Camden community. His ambitions are even greater for the years ahead.

“Shop with a Cop is funded entirely by the Camden PBA through fundraising efforts organized by our department with the help of local residents, school staff, and community partners. It is a 100% community-driven event,” Redden said. “Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing the program so we can reach even more students in the future. The support we receive from residents, school staff, and local businesses is the reason this event is possible, and I am incredibly grateful for that unwavering support. Being part of a community that is so committed to giving back and lifting up its members is overwhelmingly joyful, and I am proud that the Camden Police Department can play a role in that.”

If you would like to help support the future of “Shop With a Cop”, and other Camden PBA initiatives like the annual Halloween Spooktacular, donations can be sent to the following address. Reach out to the Camden Police Department with any questions about how you can support the work of the PBA.

Camden Police Benevolent Association
57 Main Street
Camden, NY, 13316.

The organizers would also like to thank the following officers for taking time out of their busy schedules to participate.

New York State Police: Sergeant Humphreys, Trooper Olney, Trooper VanHoeven, Trooper Sgarlata, Trooper Thomson, Trooper Treen, Trooper Misencik

Camden Police Department: Chief Redden, Corporal Muha, Officer Barone, Officer Hite, Officer Tuff, Officer Hellinger

Oneida County Sheriff’s Office: Captain Reilly, Lieutenant Paul, Sergeant Sorrentino, Sergeant Avard, Investigator DeLong, Deputy McDaniels, Deputy Chesebro