In the spirit of the holiday season, the Webster Groves Police Department (WGPD) have once again donned their Santa hats, not for any crime-fighting crusade, but to spread joy through their annual Operation Santa. On the night before Christmas, WGPD officers, in collaboration with the Webster Groves Police Officers Association and Webster Groves School District, brought festive cheer to five local families, delivering presents and treats with fanfare courtesy of Santa Claus and his entourage.
Elaborating on the event on their social media, the Webster Groves Police Department shared, "Blue Lights & Bright Smiles: Operation Santa." Making good use of their blue lights, officers delivered the holiday packages with smiles that were reportedly as bright as the dazzle of their cruisers. The deputies, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, provided a touch of magic that only jolly old St. Nick could inspire, followed closely by their elves and police companions.
The endeavor is emblematic of what WGPD states the Webster Groves community stands for: mutual care and collective effort. Their Facebook post asserted that the heart of Webster Groves is found in "neighbors looking out for one another" and the strength of "partnerships working together to support families during the holidays." They continued expressing gratitude "for a community that believes in helping where help is needed."
A sentiment extending beyond season's greetings, the WGPD sent out a warm Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all, a message resonating with their mission of community-oriented policing and service. Recognized as more than a law enforcement entity, the WGPD has shown a side of policing that goes hand in hand with the Santa hat, building relationships with the community that last much longer than the holiday season.
