Operation Santa
In her sparkly red sweater, she was the smallest one in the crowded living room.
The large man in the red suit towered over her. Even the boxed presents were bigger than her.
And slowly but surely, Gresham District cops dressed in uniform blue -- their cheeks red from the cold outside -- pressed into the room, cramming into a doorway to get a look as Naomi Taylor, 5, carefully tore away wrapping paper to find a red bike and a play kitchen set.
Naomi Taylor, daughter of Nathaniel Taylor, was one of 32 children of cops killed or badly wounded in the line of duty who were visited by members of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and other CPD volunteers.
Making sure our own had a Merry Christmas.
Making sure our own had a Merry Christmas.
Labels: good news
posted by SCC at 12:07 AM
59 Comments:
Well done brothers & sisters...
I was in that living room, and that made me proud to be a police officer. well done to everyone that put that program together. stay safe
I'm sorry. I grew up poor. I make a good living now and my wife works too. I always give --- to the church, to groups, to needy children at her school, etc... I know how fortunate I am. I thank God for that. In the past, I have been the Santa giving to people in the district I worked. I went to homes that I got pissed off about. I went to homes with a Big screen TV where the family was off on vacation to Mexico (specific example, not a generalization.) I did this for a couple of years and am no longer in the position to do this (I changed and got promoted.) My question in all of this: Why do we not have a Santa, Secret Santa, Donation, Etc... program for the Gold Star Families? Or for the many officers who are in need? I can only hope and pray that I have you there for me if something tragic ever happens to my family. I am a firm believer in get a frigging job. If I get fired, Oh well. I will work at McDonalds, or Target, or the zoo; or all three. My family comes first. If you don't believe that, FU. We should have an organization or a committee or something to guarantee that we have some sort of benefit or organization for our own. We give to many, many charities through payroll contributions.
We really do have to start organizing something to benefit ourselves. We are a great organization. We should be proud and do as our retired and departed officers did. We should be a strong community of citizens who care for, and take care of, our community.
doubt any of this good stuff that we do will make the news, but fuck it. Let's continue to take care of our own. Great job, guys and gals. Keep up the great work.
WOW, that's really what it's all about. Kind of sad i never heard about this. I would have gladly donated money toward getting the little gal anything. Thank you to the memorial foundation for doing the right thing. That is why it was created, to help our own. Well worth the couple bucks a check when you hear stuff like this.
I am glad this received some media coverage.....was Cline dressed as Santa????
A big thank you to everyone who took part.
HOO YAA
Looks like Cline was even there! Hey what about j-fed, screaming skull, and of course Leo? Not there? This just go to show how we are blue shirts are and must stick together! God Bless the cPD brotherhood!
NEVER....EVER....FORGET!!!!
2 weeks ago cmdr riccio(016) gets on the air and says he is looking for a couple of cars for a special out door roll call at oak park/belmont. cmdr says its for a daughter of a slain p/o. Instead of a couple of cars showing up ther was at least 50. Tact cars,wagons and beat cars. Not just from 16 but 17,25 and 15 too. when we got there the cmdr told us about this great program for children of slain officers and how the daughter of Daniel Doffyn had fallen thru the cracks and hadnt received anything. She now lives somewhere else but was in town visiting her grandmother(dan's mom).All the officers took there cars down the street and for a few momemts took over belmont ave. People came out to look at all the cars blocking the street with their lights on. The officers got to the curb and stood in single file as Dans daughter and mother overcome with joy shook each officers hand as we wished them a merry xmas. I think that was probably one of the finest moments i have ever had on this job and I know other officers there were saying the same thing. I was on the job when dan died. I didnt know him but for a brief time 2 weeks ago I really felt I did!
Anonymous said...
I am glad this received some media coverage.....was Cline dressed as Santa????
12/26/2008 02:31:00 AM
Why the dig at Phil? He did something that NO OTHER CURRENT Gold Star had even thought of doing this holiday season.
Say what you want about when he was the boss, but did J-Fed do any station visits to the troops on Xmas Eve or Xmas Day?
God Bless these Officer's families.
Many people want to talk shit about the chicago police memorial foundation, but I am not one of them! Whatever everyones issue is with them at least they can see what was done for these officers children at a time when they needed the company and love the most. Job well done!
you can say whatever you want about cline and I know he gets a salary to be at the memorial foundation but the guy was OUT THERE! I respect that, and in the time he was supt i ran into him at 2 of my jobs. Both in not so friendly areas. The guy was first on scene to a battery in progress with about 75 shitheads acting the fool in the middle of the street. He was OUT of the car and on the street! I respect a boss like that and quite frankly all of you who thought everything would be better when he left are seeing the wonderful results! HA!! Careful what you wish for, and great job by the memorial foundation and coppers who assisted. By the way, i dont have clout and Cline wasnt my boy, I just tell it how I see it
ABC aired about a minute of this on the afternoon news. It was nice to see a positive story of police for once but it was great to see that we were helping our own
It was a long day and more than well worth it. Each home we stopped at was more humbling/sobering then the last. The smiles on those kids faces were without measure!
Phil cline set the tone and we did our best to manage the weather in a caravan 6 vehicles strong.
Each family gracious and glad to see us! What a Christmas present just to be a part of it! I hope I get to do it again next year!
Random thoughts here....do you realize that J-Fed has now made THREE exempt changes of command at the TRU? Has anything there really changed? 3 changes in the past 11 months? When is the Mayor going to step in an put an end to the embarrassment that this Dept. has become under our new "Fed" leadership? How much more alienation of the troops (not just rank and file, but Exempts as well)will J-Fed initiate? More important, who is going to be capable of coming in and fixing this Dept. once J-Fed tucks tail and runs out of here? I firmly believe that 2009 will be his last year as head of the CPD, and he probably won't last until June, if things remain as they are.
Our Supt Cline was there too God Bless Him. He was and is a class act. Thanks Officers for a job well done.
I have no idea what the individual that posted his note at 1:01 am on 12/26 is trying to put across. Perhaps too much Christmas Cheer on his part.
I was there when the the group arrived to visit my grandsons. The weather was terrible with horrific driving conditions, but they came and my grandsons were waiting in the window for them. The squad cars were left parked in the street for the entire neighborhood to see and they left their emergency blue lights activated as a salute to their father who lost his life in the line of duty. It has nothing to do with them being able to afford gifts for Christmas, the whole idea is that their father has not been forgotten, especially on Christmas when he should have been there with them. He went to work one day and never came home. I personally thank all those that were out that night delivering gifts to all those kids which took almost 14 hours and remembering my son and to let his sons know that their father has not been forgotten. Thank you to all those officers that donate to the Memorial. As Cline said on WGN News, It's to let these children know they have over 13,000 mothers and fathers out here who care about them. Thank you for being there for my family.
Bob Gordon, Father of
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
www.leaa.org
GREAT JOB OFFICE!
Last year TRU gave out toys on Christmas Eve to kids on the street who were "Caught doing something good" they also gave out toys to several domestic violence shelters and hospitals. They got so much shit about it (including right here on the blog) that they didnt want to do it again this year. Thats sad.
This is a great thing that is done.
I Pray that we all stay safe but if god forbid I were to Die in the line duty, I thank God that my kids would at least have someone to try and bring some joy on Christmas. Thank You to those that do for those who have sacrificed all...
SCC, please keep us officers abreast of such programs in the future if possible. I never heard of this program until now. I would have gladly donated my time and money to such a wonderful cause. My hat goes off to these officers. These acts of kindness are what Christmas is really about. Thanks for a job well done. I am proud of all of you.
THE BEST POLICE BLOGS OF 2008 IS A FIX OR A GLITCH!
www.bestpoliceblogs2008.blogspot.com
VOTES NOT BEING RECORDED
Phat Phil did that lasst Christmas as well. Never met the guy but THANKS
OFF TOPIC:
This is a horrible story about to Heroic Border Patrol Agents just doing their job, accused of bullshit, and sentenced to prison. They cannot get pardon from Bush.
http://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/border_agent_pardons/2008/12/23/164833.html
Looks like Cline was even there! Hey what about j-fed, screaming skull, and of course Leo? Not there? This just go to show how we are blue shirts are and must stick together! God Bless the cPD brotherhood!
********************************
wow...why drag leo into this. he must have dumped you or something... last i checked leo wasnt the only exempt to not show..so take it easy tuff guy
Why the dig at Phil? He did something that NO OTHER CURRENT Gold Star had even thought of doing this holiday season.
Say what you want about when he was the boss, but did J-Fed do any station visits to the troops on Xmas Eve or Xmas Day?
12/26/2008 07:47:00 AM
Get the chip off your shoulder, it wasn't a dig at Phil. I seriously wanted to know if he was dressed as Santa! Did I miss something?? Is there something wrong with dressing as Santa?? On another note, what did I say about him "when he was a boss??" I never had any contact with him and don't have an opinion either way, now our current superintendent I do have an opinion about and it is definitely not POSITIVE!
wow...why drag leo into this. he must have dumped you or something... last i checked leo wasnt the only exempt to not show..so take it easy tuff guy
12/26/2008 04:27:00 PM
Who posted that Leo or his wife???
Wow, my first visit here and it had to be that topic. Don't get me wrong, it's wonderful what you guys did for those kids, it just made me cry a bit. Sad to think of thier missing fathers and mothers this season or any time.
OFF TOPIC: Where the hell is my F.O.P. Handbook! I got an e-mail 2 weeks ago saying they were "In The Mail" I understand is the holiday mailing season but it's not like they're being shipped from China!
God Bless you Phil Cline...You were and always will be a "policeman's Policeman". It's terrible that people like yourself has to get old and retire...you were such an asset to this department as were many retired / deceased "old timers" God Bless you again for what you do and Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
We really do have to start organizing something to benefit ourselves. We are a great organization. We should be proud and do as our retired and departed officers did. We should be a strong community of citizens who care for, and take care of, our community.
=========================
I'm with this guy. Let's start doing and keep doimng this for US. We have to pay ourselves first. The private charities and the others who hound our roll calls can take a back seat for a while.
All I have to say is THANK YOU
And where can I sign up for next year
I work in 008 and was at both locations where Santa and the gold star families went that day. I saw both uniformed and tactical officers standing shoulder to shoulder in the freezing cold and snow in front of both houses. Not one complaint from anyone. Over and over again I heard officer saying what a great thing this was and if this is the least thing we can do for these families, no problem. I was so very proud that day of not only being a Chicago Police officer, but also being in 008!! Nice job to all officers and the Gold star families. God bless those families and I hope we never forget.
Good job 2 whover did take the time and effort!!!
"Operation Kwanzee"
"leftisbest"
Hat's off to all of you. That's the way to stand together.
Wow, whoever the defensive goof is that got all up in arms because somebody asked if Cline dressed as Santa... GET a GRIP.
It was just a question. It didn't read as an accusation or a snide comment. It sure as hell sounded like it was just a question. Kind of like, 'So, did you have a nice day today?' Chill.
I was also in that living room and it was a very proud moment to be the police.
"God Bless you Phil Cline...You were and always will be a "policeman's Policeman". It's terrible that people like yourself has to get old and retire...you were such an asset to this department as were many retired"
Jeez,Any time you want to get off your knees. Keep in mind alot of the problems we currently face can be traced back to Phil Slime.. Things didnt got to hell in a handbag the day J-Fed came to town,
lose the rose colored glasses.
WAs a great sight to see and a great job by all involved. WE MUST TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN PERIOD!
AS TO THIS TRU FUCK!
___________________________________
Last year TRU gave out toys on Christmas Eve to kids on the street who were "Caught doing something good" they also gave out toys to several domestic violence shelters and hospitals. They got so much shit about it (including right here on the blog) that they didnt want to do it again this year. Thats sad.
Your right you got laughed at. How you can compare handing out presents to the useless to those of our fallen brothers who were taken out by possibly someone in this little kids family IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE! That is why you are still in TRU! Just another reflection of those in the unit.
Your right you got laughed at. How you can compare handing out presents to the useless to those of our fallen brothers who were taken out by possibly someone in this little kids family IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE! That is why you are still in TRU! Just another reflection of those in the unit.
12/26/2008 10:36:00 PM
_________________________________
We're talking about CHILDREN here. Are you such a selfish, mean-spirited horrible human being that you can't allow other people to be kind to CHILDREN at Christmas? PLEASE let me never have the experience of working with you and your bile and bitterness.
Nobody asked YOU to go do it, but to ridicule anyone for being a little bit kind and a little bit generous and a little bit decent to little CHILDREN... you are one damaged person to demean others for being christian to others at CHRISTmas time. You should be ashamed.
WAs a great sight to see and a great job by all involved. WE MUST TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN PERIOD!
AS TO THIS TRU FUCK!
___________________________________
Last year TRU gave out toys on Christmas Eve to kids on the street who were "Caught doing something good" they also gave out toys to several domestic violence shelters and hospitals. They got so much shit about it (including right here on the blog) that they didnt want to do it again this year. Thats sad.
Your right you got laughed at. How you can compare handing out presents to the useless to those of our fallen brothers who were taken out by possibly someone in this little kids family IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE! That is why you are still in TRU! Just another reflection of those in the unit.
12/26/2008 10:36:00 PM
That just shows your ignorance. Most of the toys went to children who were sick at La Rabida and Shriners Hospitals. The rest were stuck in battered women shelters because of some pos who beat the shit out of their mother. The rest of the gifts were given out on the street to kids. Thats right asshole...KIDS. Ironically two of the kids happened to be the children of coppers who were stuck working Christmas Eve. Its not always Us v Them when it comes to kids. I grew up in a day when "Officer Feiendly" visited schools and I remember that fondly. Now the only time "the bad po-lice" come to a home is to tazer dad and take him to jail. It was a good program so GFY
Any good act by a PO is good thing. Stand by your brothers and sisters in Blue in public. If you want to berate each other for anything, do it behind a locker.
To 12/26/2008 10:36:00 PM:
So, you think that kids in domestic violence shelters and kids in hospitals are not worthy of our charity? That those kids don't also deserve a visit from Santa? You are truly pathetic in calling kids in hospitals "useless." And I'm tired of hearing what a great thing we did in taking care of the kids of our fallen brothers -- it should go without saying that we do this.
Phil makes $190,000 a year from the foundation alone. That is his salary. He should be out there.
Salty Old Dog says---
I thought I was hardcore, but whoever called the kids in the hospitals and homeless shelters the children of the useless takes the cake.
Is one smile in these poor kids' miserable lives too much to ask for?
Mr. SouthSide says---
Don't like "Lighten up Francis"?
Another culturally handicapped person who has never seen one of the greatest movies ever--STRIPES.
To 12/26/2008 10:36:00 PM:
Kids in hospitals are "useless?" People like you are what's wrong with this department.
Mr. Gordon, you remain a class act....Well said...
S. Ronan
They should post this in the Daily Bulletin every year so that all 9,000 plus Officers are aware.. Great job to those who knew about it, took their time, dealt with the insane cold weather, and gave gifts to the family of the fallen Officers. God Bless you.
And I'll take Phil Cline anyday anytime over J-Pudd Weis.. Happy New Year to all and please celebrate safely!
if you knew fil like we knew fil..did he donate his memorial salary to the families...
Anonymous said...
Phil makes $190,000 a year from the foundation alone. That is his salary. He should be out there.
12/27/2008 08:52:00 AM
///////////////////////////
And that is published where? I would like to see that.
"Phil makes $190,000 a year from the foundation alone. That is his salary. He should be out there.
12/27/2008 08:52:00 AM"
That he can take a salary on the memory of fallen officers is reprehensible.
A Stand-Up Policemans Policeman would take a dollar a year salary and not a dime more. His lack of integrity& moral compass is truly astounding.
Anonymous said...
Phil makes $190,000 a year from the foundation alone. That is his salary. He should be out there.
12/27/2008 08:52:00 AM
We all doubt that amount, but the question still remains-what is the man who wears two faces being paid from our memorial fund to wine and dine sugar rautford and friends? If they publish who the fund donates to, why don't they publish who the fund pays a salary to? Don't we have a right to know? Why won't anyone answer that question, Sgt Murfy? You of all people got to know.
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