By Raymond Tyler
The EHT Police Athletic League’s enduring commitment to community engagement was on full display during the 13th Annual Holidays with Heroes event. Designed to strengthen connections between law enforcement and young people, the initiative left an indelible mark as children engaged in meaningful conversations and shared moments of walking and shopping with local police.
Commencing with a hearty breakfast at the Ridge Avenue, EHT facility, this year’s event provided a platform for children and families to engage in open dialogues with police officers and volunteers, fostering a sense of community unity.
Beyond the traditional Shop with a Cop concept, Holiday with Heroes expanded its reach, including volunteers from various emergency services and the United States Armed Forces. The parking lot showcased an impressive array of land-operated vehicles, including police motorcycles, U.S. military vehicles, police cars, and fire trucks, symbolizing the collective commitment to safeguarding communities.
A collective group photo marked the beginning of the shopping expedition, with children and families eager to embark on a memorable experience. Guided by instructions, young participants boarded buses, forming a procession of law enforcement vehicles creating a parade of sirens and lights from Ridge to Mays Landing Walmart.
Retired EHTPD Captain Hector Tavarez highlighted the broad participation, stating, “We had 120 heroes from 24 different police, fire, EMS, and military agencies from Atlantic and Cape May County, serving 121 children from 104 different families in Atlantic County and Ocean City.”
Beyond the joy of receiving holiday gifts, Holidays with Heroes serves a deeper purpose, allowing law enforcement to connect with students and the diverse young population of Atlantic and Ocean County. The hope is that these men and women with guns, badges, and compassionate hearts establish meaningful connections with children and communities, inspiring a new generation to consider careers in law enforcement, the military, or firefighting.
As Holidays with Heroes continues to bridge gaps and create lasting bonds, there is optimism that the young participants will grow up with a sense of duty and a desire to build enduring connections with the youth in their communities for many Christmases to come.
