(06/10/2021) Jarius Koch, a fourth grade student at Hamilton Elementary School in Coon Rapids, came up with a plan to foster the relationship between police officers and kids, and the whole school came to his support.

Koch wanted to find ways to support police officers in their work and help them find ways to make children more comfortable if ever in a situation where officers are in their presence. With the support of the Hamilton PTO and Hurricane (student) Council, Koch led a campaign to raise funds for sensory kits to be donated to the Coon Rapids Police Department (CRPD).

On June 10, Koch was joined by his mother Kim, his brother Jerome, his sister Kyanna, the Hamilton PTO, Hurricane Council to donate sensory items to the CRPD. View photos of the event.

“This is an amazing story of a community partnership that presents a message of unity,” said Julie Bowman, principal at Hamilton Elementary. “We believe in kids. We know kids can be successful when given the right resources and opportunities. We appreciate the work of the Coon Rapids Police Department, our PTO, student council and Jarius, along with his family, for bringing forward this idea of gifting sensory kits.”

CRPD Captain John Stahnke, along with other officers, accepted the kits on behalf of the department.

“We value our partnerships with the community and with the schools, especially with students,” Stahnke said. "We truly cherish when kids think of us like this, it kind of really hits us right in the heart. I’m honored that this project took place. If we can make a difference in one life, it’s worth it. The fact that they want to give us tools to help us perform our job better, is a great thing.”

The CRPD plans to distribute the kits amongst their fleet of squad cars for use by officers.