By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com
WABASH COUNTY, Ind. – Northfield Jr.-Sr. High School student Brenton Yarger received his honorary captain bars from Mayor Scott Long and Wabash Police Assistant Chief Bob Pilgrim during a brief ceremony prior to the start of the Shop With a Cop program on Saturday, Dec. 17.
Brenton raised more than $9,500 for the Shop With a Cop program by standing outside of Walmart several weekends in October and November, dressed in his police uniform. He also recycled aluminum cans and other metals, and received donations from friends and family members.
Brenton, during the ceremony, was rather subdued and, by his own admission, surprised by the gift.
Sgt. Chad Galligan, Vice President of the local Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, called Brenton to the front of a room during a pre-shopping trip meeting.
It was then that Long read a proclamation about Brenton, then he and Pilgrim presented the youngster with his captain bars.
Brenton, who has raised more than $28,000 over the last seven years, raises the funds because he believes every child should have a nice Christmas. He said he believes he has more than enough, and wants to spread his joy on to others.
He has one goal each year and that is to raise enough money to send another youngster on a Shop With a Cop trip. By raising $9,530 this year, a personal record, he has set a large target for himself for next year.
“I’ll do it,” he said. “I’m not nervous. We’ll worry about that later.”
During the actual shopping event, Brenton serves as an ambassador for the local police departments and the program.
“I go and talk with the people and the kids,” he said.
Long and Galligan had nothing but praise for Brenton and his efforts.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Galligan said. “I’ve never seen anyone that young with that big of a heart. All he thinks about is other children. He doesn’t think about himself whatsoever.
“Every year, he showed that increase by thousands of dollars. I don’t know where it stops for him because his heart is so big, that truly, I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Long enjoyed surprising Brenton with the award.
“You could tell he was excited,” the mayor said. “Brenton is kind of subdued most of the time and that kind of came through.”
His grandmother, Brenda Jackson, said her grandson was speechless with receiving the honor, and Long agreed.
“He normally likes to talk to us when we’re around him,” Long said. “It was a special thing, with the amount of money this kid’s raised for this program is just unbelievable.”
Wabash Police officer Larry Long has served as a mentor for Brenton for a number of years.
“He’s just an amazing kid,” Long said. “He’s got a great heart. I can’t say enough about him. He’s a very good kid.”