x
Breaking News
More () »

Good Ones: Officer awarded for trying to give every child in Littleton a happy holiday

Officer David Ford was honored with the "unparalleled community impact award".
Officer David Ford (Courtesy: Chris Hansen)

Officer David Ford from the Littleton Police Department serves his community all year round, but he especially pays attention to kids in the community during the holidays.

Last week, he became the first ever recipient of the "Unparalleled Community Impact Award" for starting the "Shop with a Cop" program with the Littleton Police Department four years ago.

This program takes under-privileged kids in the community who aren't able to afford gifts during the holidays to spend $100 alongside a cop.

Ford was inspired by an officer who he looked up to as a child, and his own children that he has now.

"Coming to school and seeing that officer, it made me feel good when I was little," Ford said. "Spending the first Christmas with my kids, and having the magical moment of opening the presents Christmas morning, and knowing that in the community that I work for, not everybody gets to share that moment," Ford said.

During the award ceremony, Littleton Police Chief Doug Stephens was praised Ford for his hard work.

"Can’t say enough about the work that David has put in and his dedication to that program," Stephens said.

Episodes of children being served through the program were shared during the ceremony.

"I remember one kid one year rode in the cart, and by the end, he was buried in presents by the end of it, and he just had this big smile on his face," said Stephens.

Ford hopes to serve at least 35 kids this year through the "Shop with a Cop" program.

We're thankful for people like Officer Ford who go out of their way to make a memory for a kid that will last a lifetime.

Officer Ford is a good one, and we know there are many good ones out there.

We like to share stories that aren't about a police officer in trouble, or a teacher who got caught cheating, or a nurse stealing drugs. Next likes to share stories about the Good Ones - the public servants who do the right thing, like 99 percent of them do every day. If you know any more Good Ones, let us know by emailing next@9news.com or tweet us at #heynext.

Before You Leave, Check This Out