With lights flashing and sirens screaming, a procession of 40 emergency vehicles roared through downtown Fulton early Saturday morning on the way to Fulton's Walmart for the annual Shop With A Cop event.
Fulton residents who didn't know in advance what was happening no doubt were startled by the seemingly never-ending stream of emergency vehicles accompanied by the loud roar of piercing sirens through downtown Fulton and along Bluff Street at 8 a.m. Saturday.
The procession included police cars from four Callaway County cities, Callaway County Sheriff's Office cars, firetrucks, ambulances and even the Fulton Animal Control Office truck.
Forty-two Callaway County youngsters participated in the event that attracted more Callaway County emergency services personnel than youngsters. Each child rode in a vehicle and was allowed to turn sirens and lights on and off.
Logan Smith of Millersburg, a student at McIntire Elementary School in Fulton, found it easy to pick out the police officer to accompany him on his shopping trip.
Logan recognized Fulton Police Officer Mackenzie Elmore from her frequent trips to the school to present Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) programs.
Logan had a clear idea of what he wanted when he arrived at Walmart. His first priority was a present for Yasmine, a friend who paralyzed in a hospital. He chose a fluffy doll that Yasmine could cuddle.
His next priority was a pillow for his mother. With assistance from Elmore, he eventually decided on one that he thought would help ease his mother's stiff neck.
Logan then bought a collar and leash for his dog so they could take walks together.
After he had spent all but $30 on others, Logan decided to look for something for himself. He settled on an electronic game.