Santa Cops recall visits

Palmer Officer Jason Crockett shares his family’s experience:

“One of the ladies we visited was very grateful for the presents and that we as a family and I as a law enforcement officer would take the time to deliver presents on Christmas morning. Her daughter gave both of my children a candy bar to say thank you. My kids lit up and it made the remainder of the deliveries more special to them as they had received an unexpected gift as they gave to others.

“My kids continued to talk about each person we met and delivered to after that delivery and some very special conversations took place about caring for others in need and being grateful for the life and possessions we have. I thought it was a special time in our deliveries (last) year.

“I was very tired (last) year as I had worked all night, but I love being a part of this and watching the reactions of the people we deliver to and also watching the wheels in my children’s minds turn as they interact with those in need. It is great to be able to talk candidly about giving and helping those who cannot help themselves and have my 9- and 10-year-old understand what I am talking about because they get to see first hand how grateful people are for the gifts and the conversation.”

Trooper Dug Cook shares his family’s experience:

“I was delivering with my wife and three children.

“Our first stop we met with a client who was nearly blind. She received three handmade items, all of which were knitted or crocheted. She used to love to do that type of crafting and was very pleased to receive such wonderful gifts of that nature.

“On our second stop we contacted a client who had a small dog and had fallen when the dog had wrapped its leash around her and tripped her.

“She had fallen, striking her face on a nearby end-table. She was unable to reach the door for approximately 10 minutes while we spoke to her through the door until she could reach the lock.

“We then helped her into her bed and waited with her until EMS arrived and treated her. She was transported for a possible head injury.

“On our last stop we spent some time with the client who was suffering from muscle deterioration. She had an electric lift chair that she had asked me to look at. Although I was unable to repair the chair, my wife and children were able to strike up an interesting and stimulating conversation with her and kept her company for a while. She was vary grateful that we stopped by and checked on her and saved her friend from driving to Palmer from Fairbanks to look at the broken chair.

“As for us, we had a very memorable time, as we have in the past. This is the second time we have been able to be a part of this and we hope to be able to participate each year from now on. I truly appreciate all the time and effort that went into the preparation and execution of this effort.”

— Source: Santa Cop 2008 newsletter