The Springfield-Greene County 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Department issued a special broadcast on December 24 to mark the Christmas season and raise awareness about burglary prevention. The department reported an alert for an “unidentified flying object” and a man with a “white beard and rosy cheeks,” last seen landing on rooftops, entering chimneys, and reportedly leaving gifts under Christmas trees.
“We wanted to have a little fun this Christmas season and make sure our public safety personnel knew to be on the lookout for this possible ‘suspect’ that was coming into our area,” said Director Zim Schwartze. “We know many of our first responders have to work during the holidays, so we wanted to put a smile on their faces during their shift.”
Director Schwartze also mentioned reaching out to NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) through its website www.noradsanta.org to coordinate information, since NORAD has tracked Santa’s route each year since 1955. “Since NORAD has been tracking Santa since 1955, we figured they would know where he was and if he was heading our way to let the kids know it was time to go to bed.”
Citizens are reminded by Schwartze to call 9-1-1 in case police, fire, or emergency medical ambulance services are needed.
