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The Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) and Niswonger Children’s Hospital have relaunched a program to bring smiles to the faces of children who are being treated at the healthcare facility.

The ‘Caring Cops’ program began in 2007. Officer Jim Brown, with the help of some other JCPD officers, developed the program after his own child was a patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“I have spent plenty of time around hospitalized children, and I have seen and experienced how it can impact families. Many of these children are confused and scared. I wanted to help take their minds off their illness, if only for a few minutes and bring them a little bit of joy and comfort,” said Brown.

As part of the program, officers will visit patients at Niswonger Children’s Hospital once a month. They will be equipped with a wagon filled with gifts for the children. During the monthly visits, officers will socialize with the kids and participate in activities with them.

The ‘Caring Cops’ program was paused in 2019. Niswonger Children’s Network Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Seth Brown, is happy to see the program return to the hospital.

“We’re fortunate to have this very special partnership with the Johnson City Police Department,” said Dr. Brown. “Officers put their lives on the line every day to serve our communities, and now they’re taking the extra step to serve the children at Niswonger Children’s Hospital. We thank them for their dedication to the community and the generosity that is at the heart of this exciting new partnership. Community support is the bedrock of Niswonger Children’s Hospital, and we look forward to all the smiles and happy memories this program will bring to our patients.”

Officers made their first ‘Caring Cops’ visit to Niswonger Children’s Hospital on July 30. Master Police Officer Briana Mannering is overseeing the relaunch of the program.

“Seeing the smiles on these children’s faces was the highlight of my day. The goal of ‘Caring Cops’ is to bring a little joy and hope to the lives of these patients during a challenging time. It is an honor to be a part of this program and to support these brave patients and their families,” said Officer Mannering.