Calling All Kids: Chicago Dispatcher Asks Children to Create Cards for CPD

With negativity toward law enforcement mounting lately, one 911 dispatcher did what she could to make sure Chicago police won’t have a blue Christmas this year.

The dispatcher—who asked to remain anonymous and a “Secret Santa” of sorts—is married to a Chicago cop, and heard firsthand how low morale has plummeted, as citizens eye officers with distrust and anger following highly publicized police incidents. Even prior to two officers being shot dead in New York, the atmosphere was weighing heavily on police and other first responders.

She reached out to Cassell and Mt. Greenwood School, asking local children to create thank you, holiday cards to deck the halls of the 22nd District Chicago Police Department and firehouses: 400 cards, in total.

“It’s such a negative light on the police officers,” she told Patch of recent events. ”People don’t realize. As a dispatcher, you see how at risk they are.”

But the kids, they get it.

“I was thinking about them on the holidays, that they’re not with their families, they’re at work,” she said. “We just wanted to let them know that the kids appreciate them.

“If you could read some of the cards the kids wrote ... The kids know more than we think.”

Dear Police: Thank you for keeping us safe. You arest robbers and guard banks. I’m so proud, one wrote.

Traits of a police officer: 1. Kind. 2. Brave. 3. Amazing. I am so sorry you can’t be with your family for Christmas. But thank you so much for working to keep us safe. And also for risking your life for us. You are so brave!, another wrote.

The cards were delivered Tuesday and now deck the halls of the police department and firehouses.

One officer responded in thanks.

“While our nation’s numerous police departments are dealing with so much hatred and negativity due to ignorance, Chicago Police Officer Bill Carrigan wrote, “This really helps remind us what were are fighting for.”

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