Helping to brighten the holidays for children in need, officers from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department joined in festivities at Christmas in the City on Sunday, December 17. Run by Jake and Sparky Kennedy, the event was held at the Bayside Expo Center. This year, Christmas in the City hosted more than 4,000 guests, a majority of them children living in area homeless shelters.

The officers handed out plastic badges, crayons, and coloring books with safety tips to the party–goers as they enjoyed arts and crafts, games, and rides. This year, the Sheriff’s Department also sent two cruisers to the event. Although the honking horns, flashing lights, and sirens caused some minor headaches among the officers, all agreed the noise was worth it.

“I love going to events like this,” said Deputy Abe Ayuso, the Departments Community Affairs Officer. “It’s so rewarding when you can make a kid smile and help protect their safety at the same time,” he added.

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