Bemidji-uniformed police and firefighters searched Wal-Mart's aisles with school children, picking toy trucks, doll clothes and scented candles, not every day.

However, on Wednesday, first responders did just that, taking a quick break from fire fighting and law enforcement, helping local students decide how to best spend $100 on purchases for themselves or their loved ones during the annual "Heroes and Assistants" program gift.

The one-day event, now in its fifth year, is a local "police shopping" aimed at establishing a positive relationship between youth and law enforcement agencies and helping poor children buy gifts during the holiday season.

After last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID-19, the program was relaunched, with about 30 children participating, and all children were selected by Bemidji Regional Schools to participate in the program.

Upon arrival, each child will be paired with one or two first responders before taking off, and together with their designated heroes, they will search the aisle for the perfect holiday gift.

8-year-old Jackson Susmilch spoke with Bemidji Police Chief Mike Mastin after attending the Heroes and Helpers event in Walmart on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. (Jillian Gandersey/Bemidji Pioneer)

Volunteer heroes come from Bemidji Police Department, Bemidji Fire Department, Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, Bemidji Ambulance Service and Minnesota State Patrol. First aid workers and assistants from Bemidji Lions Club and First City Lions, about 50 volunteers participated in the event.

Police Officer Bemidji Tabitha Carrigan (Tabitha Carrigan) has been helping to run "Heroes and Helpers" for many years, and she said that the project was funded by many local agencies participating in the event.

"I raise funds from a lot of groups that are really involved," Carrigan said. "Currently there are Bemidji Eagles, Bemidji Lions, First City Lions, the Sheriff Department Federation, the Police Department Federation, the fire department and the ambulance."

Members of First City Lions wrap gifts at the Heroes and Assistants event at Walmart on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. (Jillian Gandersey/Bemidji Pioneer)

After the students buy things, the items they choose will be sent to the gift wrapping station, where volunteers prepare gifts and find a new home under the students’ Christmas tree.

After the shopping adventure, children and first responders were invited to take photos with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, and enjoyed snacks, coffee and hot chocolate.

6-year-old Kahlyla Bedeau-Jack poses with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at the Heroes and Assistants event at Walmart on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. (Jillian Gandersey/Bemidji Pioneer)

7-year-old Gozie Stone hopes to find gifts for everyone in his family. He came to the event with a mission. Working with the heroes of Bemidji Fire Department Assistant Chief Bruce Hemstad and Bemidji Police Officer Trent Senenfeld, the group grabbed an empty shopping cart and rushed into the aisle.

When Hemstad asked Stone where he might want to start, he didn't hesitate.

"Well, my mother likes puzzles," Stone said. "I want to make a puzzle for her."

Under the guidance of Wal-Mart employees, the three came to the back of the store to look for the toy area.

"We must obey the traffic laws," Senenfelder suggested as Hemstad pushed the cart through the aisle.

Stone carefully analyzed a puzzle, and then chose the right puzzle for his mother. After putting it in the shopping cart, Hemstad reminded Stone that if he wanted to, he could use part of the allocated $100 to buy something for himself.

Stone liked the sound and immediately turned to the other side of the aisle, staring at a truck on the top shelf. Fortunately, there was a tall hero beside him, and Senenfelder easily removed the truck from the shelf.

On Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at the Heroes and Assistants event held at Walmart, Bruce Hemstad, Assistant Chief of the Bemidji Fire Department, introduced the 7-year-old Gozi to Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus · Stone. (Jillian Gandersey/Bemidji Pioneer)

At the other end of the store, 9-year-old Jasmine Johnson was shopping with Minnesota State Police Officer Scott Mattfield. A Spiderman bath towel near the end of the aisle caught her attention, and Johnson excitedly picked it up and threw it into the shopping cart.

"Who is this for?" Mattfield asked.

"My little brother," Johnson said with a smile.