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SALT LAKE CITY -- Santa's elves took the day off Saturday, but some Utah police officers stepped in to cover their shift.
The annual "Shop with a Cop" event kicked off in West Jordan. It pairs officers with about 100 children in need.
The officers and their new partners rode in a police convoy together, ate breakfast and then did some holiday shopping.
Tom Gallegos with the Salt Lake City Police Department said, "It's fantastic. If you saw the kids in the police cars with the lights and sirens -- I mean, it's smiles galore."
Salt Lake City police officer Sean Josephson agreed. "Look at their faces. That tells it all," he said.
All of the kids said they had a great time, and everyone left with a smile on their face.
Even Santa made an appearance at the event. He showed up by air, but without his regular reindeer escort. This time, he flew in by helicopter.