POUGHKEEPSIE – The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department teamed up with the Police Athletic League (PAL) and the Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) to bring Santa Claus to the city’s Public Safety Building for a photo opportunity with city children.
“Our department has been increasing our community outreach in a variety of ways,” said Police Captain Richard Wilson. “We truly care about this city and we are constantly working on ways to improve the relationship between the residents and the police. This is just one more way we are reaching out.” 
The department currently has three officers dedicated to community policing and outreach. The three officers – PBA President Kevin Van Wagner and Officer Mike Braren along with School Resource Officer Karen Zirbel came up with the idea of bringing Santa to the Main Street Public Safety Building to pose for photos with children. Thursday evening was the inaugural event and based on the turnout, it will be an annual event.
“We didn’t expect a huge turnout for the event because of the limited notice but it was very successful. We appreciate Mid-Hudson News for publicizing the Santa event as soon as it was confirmed – it helped a lot,” said Zirbel. Turnout was slow at first for the event that started at 5 p.m. which allowed the cops to critique the setup for next year. “My partner and I were putting the final touches on the setup this afternoon but had to respond to a gun incident,” said Van Wagner as he surveyed the decorated community room. “The members of the PBA worked hard to make this a success not only for the kids but the city as a whole and it worked well,” said Officer Mike Braren.
Children of all ages arrived at Santa’s makeshift studio and were greeted by Captain Wilson and others before entering the room decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and wrapped gifts.
“This is wonderful,” said one parent who brought her daughter in to meet Santa. Children were able to sit on Santa’s lap and interact with him while Detective Garth Mason and Chris Bodin of the city’s IT department worked the camera and printer. The two worked to capture a candid picture of the kids with Santa and print a photo-quality copy of it for visitors to take with them. The PBA, PAL, and the department supported the event to make it free for all city residents.
Mayor Rob Rolison supported the idea wholeheartedly, saying “The men and women of the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department are the best of the best,” said Rolison, himself a retired detective from the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department. “Our officers not only serve and protect everyone in this city but they continue to suggest programs that further improve the relationship between the residents and the police. This is just one more example.” Rolison also echoed the praise offered by Van Wagner and Zirbel by thanking Santa for stopping by. “We are all thankful that Santa took time from his holiday schedule to bring joy to Poughkeepsie,” said Rolison.
