Engines roar at the Oceanfront

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. - Engines roared through the Holiday Lights at the Beach in Virginia Beach. The first annual "Bikes at the Beach" event took about 40 motorcycle riders to the boardwalk Monday night.

"It's fun to get out and ride and be with your friends," Virginia Beach Detective Art Sargent told WAVY.com. He and his friends in the Iron Shields Motorcycle Club are committed to helping others.

"That's what Iron Shields are all about, helping the citizens through the police department and supporting the police department in their endeavors," Sargent said.

The Iron Shields are local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who love their bikes and the people they serve in Hampton Roads.

So in their first fundraiser, they decided to raise money for "Shop With A Cop." The Fraternal Order of Police just finished its 2009 event that takes children in need holiday shopping.

Iron Shields President, Virginia Beach Officer Paul Graziano told WAVY.com, "A lot of the kids in this program, the only encounter they have with the police is that they've seen their mother or father being hauled off, or somebody was injured in their family and the police had to come, you know."

Graziano and fellow club members know shopping with children gives children a new perspective on the people behind the badge. Monday, the men and women also wore chaps, boots, and helmets to kick-start "Shop With A Cop" 2010.

"The FOP next year wants to take 200 children shopping and they want to increase the dollar amount where those children will be able to buy more items for themselves and their family members," Graziano said.

The increase means the program will need about $30,000 next year in Virginia Beach. Graziano explained the pay off is that officers will build priceless relationships.

"[Shop With A Cop] allows us to speak one on one with these kids. We can express why we're here, that we really do care."