Over the past several years the Dixon Police Department has started numerous community programs.  The programs are geared toward building the relationship between the members of the police department and the community.  The programs give people from the community a chance to interact with the officers outside the normal day-to-day police duties.  Some programs involve a series of meetings which provide information about the police department and educate people on the roles of the officers.  Other programs were established to help less fortunate families through difficult financial and emotional times.  Shop with a Cop, Clothes for Kids, and Cops and Bobbers, are a few examples of the community programs.  Below are some photos from the different community events. 

Shop with a Cop

Shop with a Cop was created by former Chief Dan Langloss in 2004 and served 20 children.  The vision was to serve 100 underprivileged children in our community per year.  Over the years, the program grew from 20 children to 40 children to 60 children, and in 2010 our vision came true.  Working with the Lee County Sheriff’s Department, Shop with a Cop served 110 kids.  The program continues to grow annually.  Each child is assisted by a police officer in picking out presents they want Santa Clause to bring them.  Each child receives $110.00 in gifts and is able to meet Santa at the end of the day.  For the last several years, Wal-Mart has made a generous contribution to this program and provided Elves to wrap the presents.  Without the help of Santa’s Elves, we would not be able to help this many children.

Officer Scott coordinated the program this year, and it was another huge success.  Volunteers from the Dixon Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Department, and Dixon Fire Department helped 110 children make their Christmas wishes come true.  The majority of funding for the program came from the Dixon Police Charitable Association and the Lee County Sheriff’s Department Fraternal Order of Police.  A special thanks to McDonald’s for providing the breakfast for the morning session, Angelo’s donating lunch, Dixon High School for providing us a space for lunch, and Wal-Mart for all of their volunteers and a generous donation to this program.

Clothes for Kids

“Clothes for Kids”, formerly “Dress for Success” was created in 2005.  The purpose of the program is to ensure children have good clothes, shoes, coats, and other necessary items for the new school year.  This program serves 25 children a year.  Each child receives $110.00 and shops for their new items with Dixon Officers.

Cops and Bobbers

Our annual Fishing Derby is held each year in September at Lowell Park.  Dozens of children and their parents participate in the event, along with members of the Dixon Police Department.  Prizes are awarded in different categories.

Thanksgiving Baskets

20 families were provided Thanksgiving turkeys and all the trimmings, thanks to community donations to the Dixon Police Association.  Police Department members delivered the baskets to needy families throughout Dixon.  Families are chosen by Good Fellows of Lee County.