TOLEDO, Ohio — First responders across Ohio on Wednesday hosted the annual Operation Santa's Sleigh, joining together to help Santa deliver gifts to children's hospitals across the state.
Although Winter Storm Elliott delayed the event until after Christmas, first responders said the change did not damper any holiday spirits. If anything, it extended the giving season for even longer.
At ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children's Hospital, there was a flood of flashing red, white and blue lights, which could only mean one thing: Santa Claus had come to town, accompanied by all of his fire, police and emergency responder friends.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Ryan Purpura said they're not just going to children's hospitals, they're making a stop at two veteran's homes as well, all in an effort to spread holiday joy to veterans, children, family, staff and everyone in between.
Toledo Police Department Lt. Paul Davis said none of the officers are paid to do this. And they don't want compensation either because it's an event they look forward to year-round.
"We're always glad and appreciate the officers who are able to take that time away from their family or take the free time to come up and volunteer to do something like this," Davis said.
Purpura said the event is so popular with first responders that those who don't have children's hospitals nearby will travel far and wide to participate.
"People as far as Tiffin and Wauseon have come up before," Purpura said. "It's not only Lucas County, it might be Fulton, Ottawa and Wood counties too. It's really neat to see everyone come together for such a great event."
Events like Operation Santa's Sleigh shows a lighter and happier side to first responders that oftentimes deal with morbid and tragic situations.
"(It) shows another side of law enforcement, our first responders, because obviously we do go to those scenes where it might be someone's worst day of their life," Purpura said. "Today is just about spreading some holiday cheer.".