Gallery: Lemoore cops, volunteers bring holiday cheer with 'Presents on Patrol'

“Presents on Patrol,” a Christmas staple at the Lemoore Police Department – at least since 1998 – hit the streets of Lemoore as volunteers crisscrossed the community, bringing presents, food and cheer to unexpecting children.

"This event provides personnel from the Lemoore Police Department to give to those who might go without during the holiday season," said Lemoore Chief of Police Darrell Smith. "Our community gets to see a different side of law enforcement, one that fosters trust and strengthens relationships. This is one of the most popular events that we conduct each year as officers, family members, and non-sworn personnel participate at the highest level."

Recipients couldn't agree more with Smith. “I think its awesome,” said Tim Johnson, whose family was a recipient of Lemoore’s largess. “I think it’s cool. They come, and the kids love it, and it’s good for the community.”

Soledad Perez, the Lemoore Police Department’s Community Services Officer, organized this year’s event. She told The Leader that over 50 persons participated in the trek through Lemoore Thursday afternoon. The contingent included police officers and staff, volunteers from Lemoore Christian Aid, members of the department’s Volunteers in Policing, Explorers, and other volunteers.

“I would like to thank everyone who helped us and make it come true,” said Perez. She said the gifts came mostly from the police officers and staff. “The gifts came from our angel tree. They were contributed by the police officers and staff. The extra toys that we had were donated by different organizations.”

Food boxes came from Lemoore Christian Aid. “We handed out 51 boxes on Thursday,” said Perez. “We also gave out 60 chickens.”

Many of the volunteers also participated in the recent “Reason for the Season” where hundreds of kids and parents converged on the Lemoore Civic Auditorium for gifts, a sit-down with Santa, and food boxes.

The local school districts helped the Lemoore Police Department identify families who might need a little extra Christmas cheer this season.

“This is really great,” said Sergeant Oscar Lucio, who spent his final day on the force delivering Christmas presents. He retired this week after 32 years with the department. “We’ve been doing this every year I think since 2002. My daughter’s out here, and she’s been doing this for 20 years. She wanted to come on my last day.”

Click on Photo to enlarge