Cops bestow bikes for tykes

Wednesday
Dec 27, 2017 at 7:27 PM Dec 27, 2017 at 7:27 PM

DAVID ADLERSTEIN Apalachicola Times Editor ApalachTimes

For nearly 20 years. dating back to before he became sheriff, A.J. Smith has made it an annual mission to lead the Cops for Kids program in the Big Bend.

On Saturday, with the help of sheriff's deputies and friends from Tallahassee law enforcement, Smith led a contigent that provided about 70 needy kids, in Carrabelle, Eastpoint and Apalachicola, with a brand enw bicycle for Christmas.

Beth Brinkley, with the Franklin Toy Project, was on hand to coordinate the distribution of the bicycles, which were given to young people whose parents had qualified them earlier, and who were present to receive them.

Among those on hand to help on Saturday were Smith's law enforcement colleagues, retired Tallahassee officer Dave Farrell, and Chris Connell, who directs the Capitol Police, a division of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

"It's easy, I can ride even faster," said Franklin County first grader Jathan Page, who peddled off on a sophisticated six-speed, while his little sister, Brooklyn, 4, got a tricycle.

Wednesday
Dec 27, 2017 at 7:27 PM Dec 27, 2017 at 7:27 PM

DAVID ADLERSTEIN Apalachicola Times Editor ApalachTimes

For nearly 20 years. dating back to before he became sheriff, A.J. Smith has made it an annual mission to lead the Cops for Kids program in the Big Bend.

On Saturday, with the help of sheriff's deputies and friends from Tallahassee law enforcement, Smith led a contigent that provided about 70 needy kids, in Carrabelle, Eastpoint and Apalachicola, with a brand enw bicycle for Christmas.

Beth Brinkley, with the Franklin Toy Project, was on hand to coordinate the distribution of the bicycles, which were given to young people whose parents had qualified them earlier, and who were present to receive them.

Among those on hand to help on Saturday were Smith's law enforcement colleagues, retired Tallahassee officer Dave Farrell, and Chris Connell, who directs the Capitol Police, a division of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

"It's easy, I can ride even faster," said Franklin County first grader Jathan Page, who peddled off on a sophisticated six-speed, while his little sister, Brooklyn, 4, got a tricycle.