Troopers spread Christmas cheer

Part 1 of a 3-part story

Underprivileged children and families can count on troopers from coast to coast to help make Christmas a joyful occasion, year after year.

Troopers with the Connecticut State Police continued a fine holiday tradition in 2008 by collecting toys for those in need. The annual Stuff a Cruiser event allowed residents to take toys to more than 20 locations throughout the state and stuff a police cruiser full of toys.

Despite the economy – or perhaps because of it – residents were extraordinarily generous with their gifts, with some locations so successful that additional collection dates were held. Troopers donated their time for this worthy cause to spreading goodwill and cheer during the holidays to needy families and hospitalized children.

“All volunteer troopers donned their uniforms on days off and were extremely successful this holiday season in our Stuff a Cruiser toy drive,” said Lt. J. Paul Vance, commanding officer of the CSP public information office.

Ofcr. Carlos Santander of the CHP assists a child
at the shelter where toys were distributed.

Every year California Highway Patrol offices statewide participate in the annual CHiPs for Kids campaign, where officers collect toys for local homeless shelters and low income families. The West Valley CHP Area alone – consisting of 115 uniformed officers serving the 1.8 million people of San Fernando Valley, Malibu, Calabasas, and Agoura Hills – collected 8,618 toys and delivered them to regional charities.

From New Mexico hails the touching story of troopers focusing on one special child in their community. In this time for caring and giving, officers with the New Mexico State Police Farmington office identified a child from their community who needed a little help with Christmas cheer. On October 20, 8-year-old Ernest Denny and family members and friends were involved in a motor vehicle accident in Arizona.

The young boy’s sister and friend were killed in the crash, and Ernest suffered severe injuries which required a leg amputation and skin graphs. During the holidays he was finally released from the hospital to return home.

The Farmington state police office joined together to visit Ernest and present him with numerous gifts, including NMSP merchandise and donated items from local businesses.

“It is an honor to wear the black and gray uniform and give to your community,” Lt. Dan Becker said. “It is more heartfelt when the giving is returned with a smile from a young man who endured such a traumatic event.”

The second part of this three-part series will be posted February 20-26.

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