(Riverton, WY) – Drivers and pedestrians in Riverton got a pleasant surprise last Saturday when Riverton Police Department officers handed out gift cards instead of tickets.
Thanks to a donation from Drew Bott, owner of Bott Monument in Riverton, officers distributed gift cards to community members who were doing the right thing. Some of the ‘right things’ included following the speed limit, using turn signals, and properly using crosswalks.
According to Riverton Police Chief Eric Hurtado, more than 50 gift cards were handed out during the first day of the program.
“This program has been something we’ve wanted to do for a while,” Hurtado said. “Most people who are contacted by the police are having a bad day. It is a nice change to be able to have a positive impact and reward courteous drivers.”
Bott purchased 100 gift cards, choosing as many local small businesses as possible. The only chain included was Subway, which is locally owned as a franchise. Hurtado said including local businesses was an important part of the effort, especially during the holiday season.
“That was a wonderful gesture to be able to include our local businesses who can also use the extra business this time of year,” he said.
Bott and his family even joined officers during the giveaway. Bott, his wife, and their three daughters split up into five different squad cars and rode along as the gift cards were handed out.
“Honestly, I love doing it,” said Bott. “People support us, and we’re extremely happy to do something like this to give back… The best reason to have money is to give it away.”
Bott added that he approached Hurtado with the idea earlier this year and was excited to see how positively the community responded.
“Sometimes they only get the negative calls, and so it was fun to see the way people responded positively,” he said.
Bott Monument, located on West Main Street, marked its 150th anniversary this year. Bott has lived in Riverton for 20 years after moving from Utah, and says the community is where his family belongs.
“I love Riverton and we love Wyoming… I would never go back to Utah,” said Bott. “Some of the people I stopped yesterday with the police officer I know, and that was so fun.”
For Bott, involving his children made the experience even more meaningful.
“What it’s been for my kids being in Riverton is what I really love,” he said. “The principals and teachers at the schools are awesome and the kids are awesome here.”
Bott also mentioned his youngest daughter was “all smiles” while riding around with the chief during the event.
About 50 gift cards remain and will be handed out by RPD on Christmas Eve.