Since Welches resident Erica Olmos was little, she would get home from school and watch the TV show “Cops.”

Her appreciation for police officers grew and she would often let her parents know that she wanted to join the police when she got older.

“They just thought that when I was younger and I kept saying it that I would change my mind,” said Olmos, who added that she still watches the show.
“And I haven’t.”

Now 17, Olmos will graduate from Sandy High School this spring (a year
early), but before she does, she’s helping out the Sandy Police Department’s
“Shop with a Cop” program as part of her senior project.

Detective Jason Bickle started the program four years ago in which police
officers take school children who lack the basic essentials, such as school
supplies and clothes, out on a shopping spree.

Bickle noted that each child gets $75 to spend and the program has provided
for 50 children in the Oregon Trail School District each year since it started.
This year, however, funds are in need of replenishment and when Olmos
approached the department, Bickle was grateful for the help.

“That means a lot to me,” he said.

Besides raising money on her own, Olmos enlisted assistance from Welches
Middle School’s leadership class students. Those students are now seeing
which class from grades six, seven and eight can raise the most money for the
program by the end of the year, with the successful grade level also earning a
party to celebrate their accomplishment.

The idea of helping in the cause was an immediate hit with the middle
schoolers.

“I really like this idea because it’s helping the people who can’t afford it,” said
Carley Ryan, 13, an eighth grade student who also leads the leadership class
fundraising committee.

“I think it’s amazing,” added eighth grader Bianca Blanshine, 14. “It’s
benefiting people in our community, in our school and in other schools in our
district.”

Olmos shares the excitement and plans on helping the cause beyond her
senior project. She also sees the program as an opportunity for children to
have a positive experience with a police officer and not just the ones who
arrest people.

“They’re not scary,” Olmos said. “A lot of people are afraid to go to police. I
think it’s also a good interaction for children to get involved and have one-on-
one with a police officer.”

To make a donation, or for more information, please contact
olmose13@gmail.com.