COCOA -- Several years ago, the students at Divine Mercy Catholic School raised $1,000, which they donated to the Cocoa Police Department to help purchase a K-9, which they later got to name "Charger."
Earlier this month, when the police department unveiled their new police trading cards, featuring Charger, it was no surprise they chose to unveil the new cards at Divine Mercy.
Charger and his human partner, Officer Tony Marchica, presented the students with the cards to show their appreciation for the students' donation.
The cards are now being distributed at all K-9 demonstrations, school and daycare visits, or during any contact with children in the community.
The goal is that children will want to approach the officers and ask them for their cards.
"We're trying to get to know the communities that we work in, and the kids that are in the communities," said Officer Angie Roberts. "They love the dog. He's the star of the show."
Cocoa police hoped children would also get to know their officers and build trust for the future.
Thanks to the students' donation, "Charger" is not only building trust in the Cocoa community, but he is also helping fight crime.
That is why Charger, the officers and the students at Divine Mercy Catholic School are our Central Floridians of the Week.
To see more this or other Central Floridians of the Week, go to News 13 On Demand, Digital Cable Channel 313.
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