ROCKINGHAM — Last week, local law enforcement agencies received their share of the proceeds from the annual Back the Blue motorcycle ride.
Ride organizers Chris and Judy Jackson delivered checks to five departments in Richmond and Scotland counties, doling out $16,000 of the funds raised from the ride, which was held Oct. 4.
The money will be used by the agencies — the Hamlet, Laurinburg and Rockingham police departments and Richmond and Scotland county sheriffs’ offices — for their respective Shop with a Cop or Shop with a Deputy programs.
Chris Jackson, a longtime officer with the Laurinburg Police Department, started the ride in 2020.
Last year, RCSO was able to help 32 children, with each child being allotted $225. In addition to the Shop with a Deputy program, RCSO has also partnered with local fire departments with “Santa parades” through Ellerbe, Cordova and East Rockingham, and has given out toys during Dobbins Heights’ Christmas event.
"The Richmond County Sheriff's Office ‘Shop With A Deputy’ program raises funds and accepts donations year-round to provide a joyous Christmas to underprivileged children in our community,” Sheriff Mark Gulledge said in a statement on social media. “We certainly could not sustain this excellent program without the community stakeholders who donate to this cause."
The Rockingham and Hamlet police departments also made social media posts thanking the Jacksons for the donations.
RPD’s program was started by Detective Jan Owens in 2012. Last year, each of the 25 children from 16 families was allocated $350 to spend. Contact Owens to donate.
Anyone wanting to contribute to the Shop with a Deputy program can visit the sheriff’s office in downtown Rockingham or contact Detective R. Watts at 910-895-3232.
This is the first year of HPD being a beneficiary. To donate to Hamlet’s inaugural Shop with a Cop program, stop by the department and ask for Sgt. Scherer or Officer Richardson.
(See the RO’s Facebook page for photos from the Richmond County portion of the ride.)
