Responding to a breaking and entering call on Christmas Eve 2022, South Bend, Indiana officers learned that Christmas gifts had been stolen, leaving the family’s children without gifts for the holiday.

“I was shocked,” said Officer Anthony Dawson. “We go in, and you see nothing under a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. You’re in shock. And then you see the kids and they seem to be stoic…. They didn’t really know what was going on. At that time, I’m training a new officer who’s on his second day on patrol, and we knew we needed to do something.”

Officers reached out to the South Bend Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #36, and received new gifts for the entire family.

Another officer, Brian Meador, believes that opportunities to touch the lives of those in need are what make the job worth it.

It’s amazing, really… It’s why we do what we do,” said Meador. “So many times, you see just the negative. This was an opportunity for us to do something positive. The children’s reaction makes everything worthwhile. They were filled with joy. They were excited. They were going through those presents like crazy. Nothing better than that.”

Silver, Ashley, December 24, 2022, South Bend, Indiana
www.police1.com/police-heroes/articles/ind-officers-save-christmas-for-family-after-presents-knabbed-by-burglar-yrUDdLlLs74Mh3n9/