Aberdeen Police Department Rings in Season with Christmas Holiday Patrol

The Aberdeen Police Department is expecting hundreds of children to turn out Saturday during its fourth annual “Christmas on Patrol” event.

The patrol will make the rounds in the Aberdeen community starting at 10 a.m. and continue throughout the day, with Santa, Mrs. Claus and a bunch of elves in tow.

Escorted by police, this cast of holiday characters will deliver special gift bags to children in the community, according to a statement from the Aberdeen Police Department.

In its inaugural year, police gave out 500 gift bags; by 2013 there were 750 recipients, the statement said. Adults usually turn out to witness the festivities as well, police reported.

“For the police officers involved, it’s a fun time seeing smiles on the faces of children, getting holiday wishes from the citizens, and being able to spark a little Christmas Magic,” the Aberdeen Police Department said in a statement.

Christmas on Patrol, also known as “C.O.P.,” will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, from the Aberdeen Police Department headquarters at 60 North Parke Street in Aberdeen.