After being coordinated for more than 20 years by the Hancock Leadership Alumni Association, the Findlay Halloween Parade has a new organizer. The newly established Fort Findlay Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #20 (FOP) Foundation has taken on all aspects of coordinating the 2021 Cops and Kids Findlay Halloween Parade. Funds raised by parade sponsorships and entry fees will be used to support active, retired, and fallen FOP members and their families while building positive relationships between citizens and law enforcement through youth and community programming.

“Taking on the Halloween parade is a perfect fit for our organization,” said Teresa White, the foundation’s development director. “The parade is one of the best-attended family-friendly traditions in our community. Our committee is dedicated to keeping the tradition while supporting FOP goals for community engagement.”

The Cops and Kids program is most widely known for its holiday shopping event formerly known as “Shop with a Cop.” The Fort Findlay FOP has established the foundation to grow the event while also allowing for more community programming to last year-round. Cops and Kids programs include:

 Cops and Kids Go Shopping

Formerly known as Shop with a Cop. The FOP’s traditional shopping event takes place every December. Local school districts help determine children who would benefit from a little extra help at Christmas or a positive relationship with law enforcement. FOP members then meet these children at Meijer for a morning of Christmas shopping. Each child receives $200 to purchase necessities first but save some for toys!

 Cops and Kids Get Creative

In partnership with local artmaking businesses, the FOP invites children to create with a lodge member. Whether it’s doing a Book & Brush at Painter’s Pottery or painting canvases with Awakening Minds Art, our members are making memories with our kids.

 Cops and Kids Get Involved

The FOP participates in or sponsors community events such as the annual Flag City Mascot Olympics and Night Out, the Komen Race, the Bikes, Books & Badges Bicycle Rodeo, Children’s Mentoring Connection Bowling for Kids, and the Findlay Service League Purse Bingo. Each of these events provides an opportunity for our Cops & Kids to spend quality time together.

 Cops and Kids Go to College

Following the tragic loss of Officer Douglas Akers in 2018, the Lodge honors his memory in the form of a scholarship. The amount and eligibility requirements of the scholarship will be finalized in time for the 2022-23 academic year.

 Cops and Kids Go Back to School

The only program reserved for lodge members, Cops and Kids Go Back to School hosts a picnic for member kids and provides them with the school supplies required for a successful school year.

The parade will be held on October 26^th starting at 7:00 p.m. The parade route will be Main Street from Sixth Street to Lima Street. Registration will run from September 14th through October 25th. Entries before midnight on September 30 will receive a discounted entry fee. Registration options are available for businesses and non-profits. There will also be an option to have preferred placement at or near the start of the parade. Types of entrants include walking groups, floats, regular vehicles, and oversize vehicles (more than 45 feet).

 

All information for the parade, including registration, maps, frequently asked questions, rules and regulations, and awards, are available at fortfindlayfop20.org/halloweenparade or call 833-LODGE20 (833-563-4320). Email inquiries can be sent to Teresa White at copsandkidsfindlay@gmail.com.

 

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About the FOP

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is the world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, with more than 355,000 members in more than 2,100 lodges. We are the voice of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities. We are committed to improving the working conditions of law enforcement officers and the safety of those we serve through education, legislation, information, community involvement, and employee representation. No one knows the dangers and the difficulties faced by today’s police officers better than another officer, and no one knows police officers better than the FOP.

About the Fort Findlay Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #20

The Fort Findlay Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police was chartered and formed on September 27, 1935. There were 13 charter members representing law enforcement agencies across Hancock County. The Lodge was designed to improve existing conditions for law enforcement officers and support the citizens of Hancock County. The first lodge is located at 1769 Romick Pkwy.

About the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 Foundation

The mission of the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 Foundation is to support active, retired, and fallen members and their families while building positive relationships between citizens and law enforcement through youth and community programming. This organization is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit allowing for fundraising, tax-exempt status, and receiving of grants. It was established in 2021.