More than 70 law enforcement agencies from across Wisconsin came together at Lambeau Field Nov. 27, 2023 for the finale of the 2023 "Police Lights of Christmas" campaign. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — More than 70 law enforcement agencies from across the state came together Monday night for the finale of this year’s “Police Lights of Christmas” campaign.
In the culmination of a year of generous giving, officers filled their squad cars with backpacks — stuffed with hats, socks, gloves, toiletries, snacks, gift cards and other supplies — to hand out to community members in need while on patrol during the holiday season.
The annual event, which was hosted by the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, has grown exponentially since it was started by Green Bay radio station Q90FM in 2016.
What began eight years ago as two departments stuffing 100 backpacks and collecting $10,000 in gift cards expanded to 1,000 backpacks and $185,000 in gift cards in 2022.
Lieutenant Steve Mahoney of the Green Bay Police Department said that while the “Police Lights of Christmas” program is about giving back to those less fortunate, it is also a way to connect communities with their local law enforcement.
Interacting with the community is vital, not just for GBPD but for all the law enforcement agencies across the state. It helps build trust with your community, where they realize we’re people as well. And once again, no matter what jurisdiction you’re an officer at, you can’t be every place all the time. So you need to have good rapport with your community, and the purpose of this is us giving back to the community.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love made a surprise appearance at Monday’s event. As the son of two officers, Love said he was proud to play a part in supporting the cause.
“People are always trying to do their best to be able to give and help others in any way they can, so anything you can do is obviously very helpful to those that need it more than you. This is a great event over here, the police officers giving back,” Love said. “Both of my parents, being police officers, I feel strongly about what they do for the community and how they serve and protect. I think it’s just awesome what they’re doing here.”
Lombardi Avenue was shut down for about 10 minutes while each participating squad car, complete with their lights and sirens on, left Lambeau Field in a parade-like fashion.
Comments