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Florence council recognizes longtime staff, approves Shop With a Cop funding and hears from local youth nonprofit
Summary
Council honored two long-serving employees, accepted a grant to launch a Shop With a Cop program and heard a presentation from Active Family Development, a Florence-based nonprofit offering free youth sports and family events. A local deputy and nonprofit founder outlined programs that provide equipment, snacks and camps for children.
During the Oct. 7 meeting, the Town Council presented service awards and heard several community presentations.
Service awards: The council honored Stephanie Lamas for 25 years of service and James (Jim) Walter for 20 years with the town; both were presented plaques and thanked publicly for their long service.
Shop With a Cop: Police staff described a new Shop With a Cop initiative to support children during the holidays. Chief Matt Thomas and Sergeant Williams secured a grant through Florence Copper and identified Friends of AJ (a local nonprofit) as the fiscal agent to receive funds and administer the program. Council recognized the grant award and the planned program structure.
Active Family Development: Colle Nino, a deputy with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and founder of Active Family Development, described a free, volunteer-run nonprofit that removes financial barriers for children to participate in recreational activities. Nino outlined programs including Family Field Day events, ‘‘Camp Chaos’’ (a short activity camp), a ‘‘Friday bags’’ snack program for students, and plans to introduce tackle football and adaptive/inclusive programming. He said the organization has provided events across Florence, San Tan and other Pinal County locations and solicited donations and volunteers; he directed interested supporters to activefamilydevelopment.com for donations and event information.
Council response: Council members praised the presentations, offered to help with networking and suggested ways to route donations, school engagement and volunteer coordination. Several council members noted departmental and volunteer support for early program launches.
Speakers and presenters: Chief Matt Thomas; Colle Nino, founder of Active Family Development; council members and town staff who presented awards and accepted the Shop With a Cop grant.
