An Altoona Youth was selected to be an "Honorary Police Officer" as the Freedom Town-ship Police adopted Tony Sabatino (second from left) as a "Trooper for a Day." The program started by Jaffa Shrine of Altoona, joined by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and local police departments matches patients of the Shriners with the police for a day to honor them and to expose the patients to law enforcement careers.

Tony is a third grade student at Ebner School and is proud of his accomplishments. He is active in sports, and hopes to complete the black belt in tae kwon-do. Currently, he has seven trophies from competition. Tony and his mother, Sherri (left), are strong supporters of the Shriners Hospitals, noting "They are the greatest."

The "Adopt A Trooper" Program was initiated by a Colorado Shrine two years ago, and Jaffa became the third in North America to adopt the program. Dale A. DeLozier (right), D.D.G.M., 20th Masonic District and also a police officer, said that, "Most kids look up to the police as their heroes; this program gives the Shriners' Kids a chance to be part of their dreams." Bro. and Chief John W. Reilly, Sr. (second from right), also a Shriner, commented that these kids are special and this program lets them know we are also on their side; in this Program, everyone is a winner.

This program became reality thanks to the efforts of Potentate David Holland and the Jaffa Divan, The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Chief John Reilly of the Freedom Township Police and Past Master of Portage Lodge No. 220, other local police, and Attorney and Bro. James Eberly.