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Adopt A Cop of Virginia

The Southern Knights Cruisers Car Club was the club that started this program in Virginia in June 2006, while working with the Chesterfield County Police Department. The Adopt A Cop Program was created to say thanks to the Officers injured while on duty trying to protect us all. They asked that all join them by sending the officers injured a card or note to help lift there spirits. At the same time letting them know they weren't alone and that the community was thinking about them. If you are interested Email us for all details. See more on this below.

Adopt A Cop Program History

New Program Announced! To Be Known as, "Adopt A Cop."


Bobbie Balch of Southern Knights Cruisers and
Carol Pulm, Community Events Coordinator
for Hardee's & Boddie-Noell,
announce New "Adopt A Cop" Program
for Chesterfield County.

This program was born as a result of the two officers in Chesterfield County that were recently involved in a shooting with one being killed. The Southern Knights Cruisers sponsored a night of donations to help the one injured and the family of the one killed. This sparked a bonding with the Chesterfield County Police Department. On June 3, Sgt. Layne Hellerstedt stopped by the Saturday Night Cruise-in at Hardee's to update everyone on the condition of officer that was injured. It was announced to the crowd at the cruise-in and all were asked for prayers, as the officer was having a hard time coping with his injury.

Now, as an extension of those first efforts, the Southern Knights Cruisers members got with Hardee's Management and the Chesterfield County Police Department and began a "New Program" for the area. Other clubs, organizations and businesses were very interested and have since joined in to support this effort, as well as to promote it in other areas of the state. And as you might know, the community also joined in. This support along with that by family households also joining the efforts made it 100% successful.

The "Adopt A Cop" program was announced on June 10, at which time the first two (2) officer's names, as supplied by the Chesterfield County Police Department, were mentioned. They were: Officer Joe Diman, who was shot while on a domestic call, and Officer Chris Watson, who was injured in a terrible accident with his Humvee.

When this program was announced, all cruise-in participants were told about the program and that information about how to start their own "Adopt A Cop" program outside of Chesterfield County was available. They were told to take our first two officers names and distribute to their coworkers, friends, family, churches, etc. They need all the prayers and other help they can get at this time.

Labels with these first two officers names and addresses were handed to all and asked that they drop them a note, card, etc. (Using a police department address, for security reasons). The club also started furnishing the Police Officers on duty two reserved parking places at the front of Hardee's every Saturday night. As you know, even when they are signed out to eat, they have to remain very close to the squad cars. Many times they leave on a call without finishing a meal. They are more than often taken for granted by the public, as we know, but they are always there for us when we dial 911.

Now for the program, The call has come out: "Officer(s) Needing Assistance". We as cruisers, business owners, and members of the community will answer that call; To tell them they are appreciated and to say "Thank You." The county police department will advise which officers to include on the list of Officers, as needed.

According to the Southern Knights Cruisers, many hobbyists at the cruise-in liked this new program and picked up the names and addresses of these first two officers. Since then, we have had lots of hobbyists come by for them and several Emails from hobbyists and concerned citizens wanting to help. But, it is up to all vehicle hobbyists and other citizens of this Commonwealth to make it work. This isn't a one time thing. It's a commitment to be there to help when the call goes out. "Officer Needing Assistance"

Many asked about donating money. This was discussed with the Chesterfield Police Department and they were very appreciative of any donation that hobbyists and other citizens wished to help them with. The funds are used to help in case of emergency for a short period until other resources take over. It also help with community programs that the police department is involved in. This can be done by contacting your local law enforcement office or the sponsor indicated on our members page.

This program has now been extended to help with fund raisers at the local community colleges teaching Criminal Investigation for officers. We are sure this program can work anywhere it is applied. Whether it be in Virginia or in some other state. Just get involved and help your community. Need information, We will be glad to help!