TIPP CITY — Santa wore a different type of uniform for some drivers this Christmas.
Officers with the Tipp City Police Department handed out what they referred to in police logs as "holiday cheer" or "Christmas cheer" in the form $20 bills Dec. 23-26.
Reports showed people stopped with issues such as license plate lights out or a headlight/brakelight not working were warned and sent on their way with the cash cheer. A snowplow driver was among recipients on Christmas Eve. One motorist said via email that he was given an envelope after a stop for speeding.
Police Chief Eric Burris said $500 was donated by a citizen to be passed out to motorists during the holidays. The money was given out in $20 increments.
"The officers really enjoyed the opportunity to stop a car and have a positive interaction with someone rather than just issue a citation or a warning. Thanks Santa!" Burris wrote in a city report.
This was the third year that a similar project was carried out by Santa's helpers with the Miami County Sheriff's Department based in Troy.
Sheriff Dave Duchak said in the days before Christmas an unidentified Secret Santa donor dropped off 10 Christmas cards containing $20 each asking that deputies distribute them to those in need during the Christmas season. He said the deputies, as in the past, would make sure the cards and money were distributed as requested.
