DeKalb Times

Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) thanked everyone who came to support the Shop with a Cop Event in Winnebago County.

“Another great night supporting Shop With A Cop Winnebago County as guest bartender. Thanks to everyone who came out and donated/supported this great cause,” Syverson posted on Facebook on Oct. 29.

The fundraiser took place at Fozzy's Bar & Grill on Oct. 7. Syverson was one of several guest bartenders that night, along with Sheriff Gary Caruana, Winnebago County Chairman Joe Chiarelle, and Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury. 

In 2021, the Winnebago County Shop with a Cop and Fill the Bus events brought dozens of officers into the community to interact with community members in a positive way. “What I’m happy about is that the kids, the parents get to have an opportunity to mix with law enforcement. Yeah we have the uniform, we’re humans and they want to get out there and help the people too and that’s why they do what they do, but, this is a positive event,” Caruana said.

Syverson has kept himself busy. In August, he spent some time at a variety of locations, including Boone County Fair, where he helped the Fire District make doughnuts at a fundraiser. The senator recounted his experience and shared photos in an Aug. 19 Facebook post. "'Time to Make the Donuts' Last week. Dave had the privilege of assisting the Boone County Fire Protection District #2 in making donuts at the Boone County Fair….he even tried a few for quality control…. The volunteer firefighters were expected to sell 85,000 donuts during the fair week," the senator said.