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Police unveil trading card program

TRADING CARD PROGRAM— The Weirton Police Department has launched a trading program as part of ongoing community outreach efforts with area residents. Pictured with some of the cards are, from left, Samantha Bruce, Weirton branch manager of Hancock County Savings Bank; Doug Comm, executive vice president of Hancock County Savings Bank; and Weirton Police Chief Rob Alexander. The bank is sponsoring the program. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — In an effort to better connect with the community, the Weirton Police Department is bringing back a program aimed at encouraging residents to get to know their local law enforcement officers.

Chief Rob Alexander announced Tuesday the department is launching a trading card program, particularly geared toward youth ages 5 to 17, as part of its continuing community outreach efforts.

The program is being organized with financial support from Hancock County Savings Bank.

Forty-one individual cards are included, featuring each officer in the department, the K-9 division, the city attorney and city judge, bicycle patrol, special response team and other personnel. Each card includes a picture of the individual, as well as biographical information and a quote.

“It ties the community, moreso the youth, with the officers,” Alexander said.

COLLECT ‘EM ALL — There will be 41 cards to collect as part of the program, featuring each individual member of the Weirton Police Department, as well as some of the department’s divisions and other personnel. It will be geared toward local youth, with plans for prizes for those who collect a full set of cards. -- Craig Howell

He said the hope is the program will encourage local youth to try and collect all 41 cards, and, as a result, become better acquainted with members of the department.

Hancock County Savings Bank officials said they are always glad to help community-minded projects, and the trading card program is a win-win situation for everyone.

“This seemed like a perfect way for the police to connect with the kids,” said Doug Comm, bank executive vice president.

Alexander explained the department first tried the trading card program approximately 23 years ago, while Scott Hicks, now a Hancock County magistrate judge, was the department’s chief. He credited the idea to current Hancock County Sheriff Ralph Fletcher, who was a sergeant in Weirton at the time.

“The response to that was phenomenal,” Alexander said.

Alexander noted he and Capt. Rick Stead are the only current members of the department featured in the original card set.

While the chief is encouraging kids to talk with officers and collect the cards, he said it’s important to know the best times.

“Don’t run out to the police car, especially when they have their lights and sirens on,” he said, suggesting instead when officers are patrolling a neighborhood or out in the community.

He explained there also will be special events in the coming months, where youth will have a chance to meet with officers and obtain their cards.

In addition to getting to know the local officers, there will be other incentives for youth to collect the cards.

“Whoever collects the whole set can bring them in, and we’ll give out prizes,” Alexander said.

The department currently is in the process of soliciting local businesses for donations.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)

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