Fruitland Police and Fire Departments team up to spread holiday cheer in the community

FRUITLAND, Md. – It was a quiet Saturday morning at the Fruitland apartments, until Santa Claus and his motorcade came rolling through the neighborhood.

“It’s nice to get out and see everybody, see them face to face,” Santa Claus said.

For six years, the Fruitland Police and Fire Departments have been teaming up with Santa Claus to spread Christmas joy to the community. It’s a tradition that corporal Ashley Hara looks forward to every year.

“Being able to see the smiles on kids’ faces, it kind of gets me in the Christmas spirit,” corporal Hara said.

To corporal Hara, showing the locals the other side of law enforcement is fundamental. She said it helps bridge the gap between the community and policing.

In between the laughter and the conversations with the kids, she learns more and more about the community she serves.

“A lot of times we see people on their worst days, when things are going really bad for them, so it’s fun [for them] to see that we’re people too,” corporal Hara said. “We can smile, we can have fun, we like Christmas, too, and it’s fun to just be able to bring joy to our community.”

Joy that police chief Krah Plunkert also feels when he sees the excitement of all of the kids, when Santa Claus hands them their presents.

“It just puts a smile on all of our faces,” chief Plunkert said. “To see the kids come out and run and grab gifts and see Santa Claus, it gives us an opportunity to get in the community.”

With Christmas right around the corner, Santa Claus has a message for the kids.

“Santa’s coming soon, and he likes chocolate chip cookies!” Santa Claus said.