PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

August 17, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

Media Request Form: https://police.slc.gov/mediarequest/

SLCPD Hosts Annual Police Pay-it-Forward Event

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, the Salt Lake City Police Department hosted its seventh annual back-to-school Police Pay-it-Forward event.

“Back-to-school shopping with these children is something we look forward to every year – it’s an opportunity for us to connect with our community’s future leaders, to listen to their stories and aspirations, and to show them that we’re invested in their success,” said SLCPD Chief Mike Brown. “By sharing this experience, we’re breaking down barriers and building a foundation of trust that will last a lifetime.”

The Salt Lake City School District selected 30 students from Escalante Elementary School to shop for school supplies and clothing with a Salt Lake City Police Officer.

After arriving in a school bus, the children participating in the event met with a police officer and had breakfast from the Sugar House branch of Chick-fil-A.

Children also received a backpack filled with school supplies, from Essendant and a blanket by Project Linus.

The SLCPD’s Police Pay-it-Forward program provides school-aged children with the opportunity to partner with a police officer to shop for school supplies in August and holiday gifts in December.

Funding for the program is provided by the Salt Lake City Police Foundation and community organizations and businesses.

In many circumstances, officers often pay out-of-pocket to cover any additional expenses.

The Salt Lake City Police Department thanks our professional staff, SLCPD Police Explorer Post #2471, and the following organizations for their continued support of this event: the Salt Lake City Police Foundation, Salt Lake City Police Mutual Aid Association (PMAA), Salt Lake City School District, Target, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Essendant, and Project Linus.

Four photos from the event are being released. Media may use these photos with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

Photo: A Salt Lake City police officers shops with a child from Escalante Elementary during the department’s annual Police Pay-it-Forward event on Saturday, August 17, 2024 (SLCPD photo – August 17, 2024).

Photo: A Salt Lake City police officer looks at pair of shoes for a child during the department’s annual Police Pay-it-Forward event on Saturday, August 17, 2024 (SLCPD photo – August 17, 2024).

Photo: A Salt Lake City police officer shops with a child during the department’s annual Police Pay-it-Forward event on Saturday, August 17, 2024 (SLCPD photo – August 17, 2024).

Photo: Salt Lake City police officers, police explorers, students, and school administrators stand together for a photo after the department’s annual Police Pay-it-Forward event on Saturday, August 17, 2024 (SLCPD photo – August 17, 2024).

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