Maricopa County Sheriffs Inspire Christmas Cheer With Children’s Santa Story

Maricopa County Sheriffs Inspire Christmas Cheer With Children’s Santa Story

By Corinne Murdock |

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) issued a jolly video telling the story of how “Santa” received their help with delivering toys after his sleigh broke down.

“Unfortunately, Triple Elf was not available for roadside service,” quipped the narrator. 

The video follows MCSO Santa’s adventure as he borrows an MCSO bicycle, then horse, a “reindeer with wheels” (quad), a patrol car, a boat, and finally a tactical vehicle. 

At one point, Santa had trouble mounting the horse, which the narrator attributed to consuming too much milk and cookies last year. 

“Santa soon realized that indulging in all the milk and cookies from last year may have been a mistake,” observed the narrator. 

Then, Santa landed on the “naughty list” for speeding. The narrator explained that Santa made an honest mistake, as he usually “moves at the speed of light.” However, the officer came to Santa’s rescue by offering his patrol car in exchange for the quad. 

To avoid rush hour in the car, Santa then borrowed an MCSO boat. Yet, the dilemma of wet and lost presents on the lake posed another issue — that’s when the SWAT team came to the rescue with their tactical vehicle. 

That final mode of transportation proved to be the right fit for Santa, ensuring a successful delivery of presents.

“Santa was drawn to the red lights on the vehicle that reminded him so much of his beloved Rudolph,” stated the narrator. “Santa hopped in and went on to deliver every one of those presents on time, ensuring a happy and Merry Christmas for the children of Maricopa County.”

In addition to filming Christmas stories for the county’s children, MCSO has been busy with other initiatives to spread holiday cheer. This week, MCSO’s Hard Knocks High School (HKHS) for juvenile inmates crafted blankets for homeless Tucson students.

“HKHS students are learning ways they can participate in community service events, such as making blankets for children,” explained MCSO in a Facebook post. “The education department believes that students need to experience real-world community service opportunities in order to exercise civic responsibility.”

Earlier this month, MCSO also participated in their annual Shop With a Cop program. That event ensures children in families experiencing financial or other hardships have presents for Christmas, while working to improve relationships between youth and police. 

Police serve as a chaperone and shopping buddy for the children. Sometimes, they will incorporate a meal, activity like a movie, or a visit from Santa into this special day. 

MSCO also highlighted one of its deputies for giving away over 180 skateboards to children in the community.

To ensure no Arizonans lose their Christmas cheer over stolen packages, MCSO published a video advising the community on how to prevent it. 

Finally, to kick off the month, MCSO participated in a Christmas parade.

Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.

Shop With a Cop: Arizona Law Enforcement Brings Christmas to Communities

Shop With a Cop: Arizona Law Enforcement Brings Christmas to Communities

By Corinne Murdock |

Arizona law enforcement wanted to make sure this year’s Christmas was special for all the children in their communities; as always, they did so through “Shop With a Cop” programs. These annual events allow children from underprivileged or struggling families to shop alongside cops for Christmas presents. Local businesses and community members donate or volunteer time to make these events possible. 

During a Shop With a Cop event, an officer will serve as a chaperone and shopping buddy for a child as they shop; sometimes, the events also incorporate a meal, activity like a movie, or even a visit from Santa. The intent of these events is to boost children’s morale while facilitating trust and confidence in police officers. Shop With a Cop also helps children practice good decision-making with their budget as they shop for themselves and their loved ones.

Law enforcement agencies that participated in a Shop With a Cop event this year included the Arizona Rangers, FBI Arizona, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Gila County Sheriff’s Office, Prescott Police Department, Prescott Valley Police Department, Chino Valley Police Department, Phoenix Police Department, Mesa Police Department, Goodyear Police Department, Surprise Police Department, Lake Havasu Police Department, Cottonwood Police Department, Tempe Police Department, Chandler Police Department, and Benson Police Department.

The Arizona Law Enforcement Outreach and Support (AZLEOS) helped coordinate the participation of various police departments in Shop With a Cop events.

Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.

Ducey Orders Flags At Half Staff To Honor Maricopa County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Chad Brackman

Ducey Orders Flags At Half Staff To Honor Maricopa County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Chad Brackman

Governor Doug Ducey ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Friday, November 12, 2021, to honor Maricopa County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Chad Brackman who died on Wednesday when he was struck by a vehicle.

Lieutenant Brackman, a 22-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, was struck by a vehicle while conducting traffic control in Scottsdale. He was taken to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. He is survived by his wife and children.

“Arizona is saddened by this terrible tragedy,” said Ducey. “Lieutenant Chad Brackman served his communities and our state honorably, and he had a deep devotion to public safety throughout his 22 years of service. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, along with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and the entire law enforcement community. In honor of Lieutenant Brackman’s life and service, I have ordered all flags to be lowered to half-staff.”