Region-wide public safety agencies teamed up Thursday, December 27 to bring flashing lights to the children at Banner-Diamond Children’s Medical Center. Many of these children were unable to make it home to spend Christmas with their loved ones.

Officers parked on the top deck of the parking garage, and the children could look outside and see the light show from the medical tower. Additionally, officers were able to visit with children in their rooms and pass out police patches, stickers, and chat with the families. Thank you to the Banner child life specialists and Banner security for navigating officers through the hospital and from room to room.

Sergeant Chriswell Scott was in the hospital with the children during the light show.

“The look of pure delight in the children’s eyes as they looked out the window of the medical tower to the array of police and fire emergency lights below will never be forgotten,” said Scott. “In that moment in time, it didn’t matter to them that they were hooked up to an IV or battling cancer or some other disease or injury, they got to be children again. The parents’ eyes lit up as well when they saw the joy that their children were experiencing. I was really a special moment.”

Thank you to Marana PD, Tucson PD, Oro Valley PD, Pima County Sheriff’s Dept, Pima Community College PD, University of Arizona PD, Union Pacific Railroad PD, Tucson Airport Authority PD, Tucson Fire, and US Border Patrol and Customs for their participation in this worthwhile endeavor. Marana PD Ofc. Gabe Tapia and Tucson PD Ofc. Leticia Parris took lead in coordinating the event.

“it really puts the concept and practice of “public servant” in perspective,” said Scott. “If we aren’t seeking out ways to serve and help our community, we are doing policing wrong.”

Photos credit: JD Fitzgerald viia Tucson PD Air Support