Behind the Badge
Tustin Police Chief Celano calls it one his “favorite events of the year.”
Speaking in front of 135 children and their families, special guests for the department’s annual Santa Cop festivities on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Tustin Community Center, the chief told the invitees they were “the most important people in the room.”
Tustin Police Chief Charles Celano welcomes local families to Tustin PD’s annual Santa Cop gathering at the Tustin Community Center.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Held for the 27th consecutive year, Santa Cop treats specially selected kids and their families, usually dealing with financial hardship, to an evening of holiday-themed activities highlighted by a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
They received toys and a traditional Christmas dinner, played games, crafted gingerbread and snowman ornaments and got their faces painted.
The invited families are referred to the police department by schools, area churches and the Tustin Family and Youth Center and by officers themselves.
“You feel the connection to Christmas,” said Dalia Ramirez, who was invited along with her husband Modesto and daughters Dalia, 11, and Diana, 6. “It’s cheerful. It’s exciting.”
Rachael Olmos, 4, winner of a new bicycle from the Tustin Police Support Services Association.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Dozens of volunteers, including members of Tustin Host Lions Club, Kiwanis of Tustin, city and police employees and Police Explorers catered to their guests, serving food, clearing tables, teaching crafts and overseeing games … and doing it enthusiastically.
“They are so helpful to us,” said Ramirez, commenting on the Explorers. “They treat you like they know you, even though they’ve never seen you before.”
Tustin PD Police Service Officers Adriana Tokar, Megan Evans, and Marilyn Packer were organizers for the event.
Tokar has been involved for 23 years.
“When it started, we had 12 families with punch and cookies and that was it,” Tokar said. “This is what it has grown to.”
Seven-month-old Christopher Hernandez arrives with his dad Antonio Hernandez for Tustin PD’s annual Santa Cop gathering.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The event goes a long way toward building a bridge between the police and the community, sending a message that the police are not only there to protect and serve them, but to help make tough times easier for their families, Tokar added.
“There is always that one or two special families that comes up and tells you that you really made their Christmas,” she said. “It’s very rewarding. I wish there was a program like this when I was young.”
Along with the volunteers, about $2,000 in donations was received, Tokar said.
Jason Coles, one of several volunteers from Kiwanis of Tustin, was helping with the event for the 10th straight year.
“This is all about children and Kiwanis of Tustin want to be part of it,” Coles said. “We want to bring good spirit to people who might not have access to food or clothing.”
Guest Joanna Soto, who was invited along with her 7-year old daughter Genevieve, said she had no idea Santa Cop existed and was pleasantly surprised to receive an invitation.
“It’s pretty amazing,” Soto said. “I think it is actually very sweet.”
A table full of cupcakes sit ready for the grabbing during Tustin PD’s annual Santa Cop gathering.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Four-year-old Rachael Olmos walks up after her name was called to win a brand new bicycle from the Tustin Police Support Services Association.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The Asael family walks up to receive their Christmas presents from Tustin Chief Charles Celano at the conclusion of Tustin PD’s annual Santa Cop event at the Tustin Community Center.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Explorers Getzemany Salgado, left, and Emmanuel Araujo help serve turkey dinners to families as part of Tustin PD’s annual Santa Cop gathering.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The Arcdi family receives their Christmas presents from Tustin Chief Charles Celano during Tustin PD’s annual Santa Cop event.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The Asael family walks up to receive their Christmas presents from Tustin Chief Charles Celano at the conclusion of Tustin PD’s annual Santa Cop event at the Tustin Community Center.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Five-year-old Christian Hernandez tosses a ring in a carnaval booth run by Tustin Explorer Marleen Ramirez during Tustin PD’s annual Santa Cop event for local families.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Explorers Getzemany Salgado, left, and Emmanuel Araujo help serve turkey dinners to families as part of Tustin PD’s annual Santa Cop gathering.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
