Santa and Local Police Bring Holiday Cheer to the Children in Pasadena

The Pasadena Police Air Operations Section and the Foothill Air Support Team (FAST) held their 9th annual Christmas Toy Drive (Operation Polar Wind) on December 16, 2014. Police Chief Phillip L. Sanchez escorted Santa Clause and his flight suit clad “elves” as the delivered gifts and holiday cheer to numerous children throughout Pasadena. Their first stop was the Pediatrics Ward of Huntington Memorial Hospital where Santa and officers put smiles on the faces of ill children as they distributed presents.

Later in the day, Santa and FAST crew members meet with Peace Over Violence (POV) representative and numerous families at the Pasadena Police Heliport where children spend time with Santa Claus sharing their holiday wishes, selecting a present and taking pictures. The team then flew-off to Sycamore Hathaway Home, Roosevelt School, and the family of an active duty Navy Senior Chief, who is currently deployed in the Persian Gulf, where they distributed bags of presents for children at each location. Police Chief Phillip L. Sanchez stated, “This toy drive was a tremendous success through the generosity and kindness of FAST law enforcement agencies that raised over $4,000 to purchase toys. Their unsselfish giving brought holiday cheer to many deserving children in Pasadena. I am proud of the compassion demonstrated by the Pasadena Police employees and our FAST law enforcement partners spread happiness to so many families. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”

Peace Over Violence (POV) Program Director Sandy Monroy praised the programs saying, “We are so appreciative of their generosity and commitment to serving survivors and our community.” POV is an organization committed to serving domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.

The Pasadena Police Department would like to recognize Lt. Mike Ingram, Sgt. Mark Goodman and Officers Mark Mendenhall, Ryan Smith, Patrick Polimeni, and Jose Valdez for their efforts in coordinating this event and filling the roles of Santa, his Elf and Flight Team. This annual event is funded through the generous contributions of police employees and Officer Associations who participate in the FAST program throughout San Gabriel Valley.

For “Operation Polar Wind” pictures or to receive information regarding other Pasadena Police activities in the community, visit us at https://twitter.com/PasPD_News.