NEWS

Detective Vernon Siders with his family, the Cooks. (Bill Giduz photo)

Crystal Russell, Davidson resident and wife of Davidson Police Corporal Scott Russell, has been trying to figure out a way to show appreciation for the members of the Davidson Police Department for years. Inspired by the recent medical challenges of Davidson Sgt. Cindy Smith and death-in-the-line-of-duty of Mooresville K9 Officer Jordan Sheldon, she decided to create Adopt-a-Cop—Davidson, modeled on Mooresville’s similar community program.

“I know firsthand how dedicated our officers are and how they support our community, so I wanted to find a way to give back to them,” said Russell.

This July, she created the “Adopt-a-Cop – Davidson” Facebook group and encouraged families to adopt a cop. She matched up families with sworn officers and civilian employees and on Thursday, July 18 and Friday, July 19, families gave gift baskets to each one. The Davidson College Campus Store and Main Street Books also made contributions.

Adopt-a-Cop board members: Cristina Shaul, Crystal Russell, and Carol Corey (Bill Giduz photo).

“This is just the beginning of how we’d like to give back,” said Russell, who has brought on two other community members, Carol Corey and Cristina Shaul, to help with growing the program. “We are so grateful for the generosity and support of our families and community members.”

An additional opportunity to help support the Davidson Police Department include attending National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6 from 5-7 p.m. at Roosevelt Wilson Park. The Adopt-a-Cop program is also trying to match up officers with our local schools to enhance relationships with students, administrators, teachers, and coaches.

For more information, join the Facebook page.