By Jim deBock
For a number of years, I was Santa Claus for the OPP Christmas party held at the Rockwood precinct.
A constable would take me to the officer’s change room where I would put on my bright red suit, snow white beard and black boots. I was Santa.
An officer would take me through the locked and secure chambers, then I would make my boisterous “Ho Ho” for the officers’ children in the conference room.
Gifts were handed out to all the excited children as they sat on Santa’s knee.
Once this was completed and Rockwood’s Festival of Lights parade started, everyone, including the officers, exited the police station, except Santa, as he was returned back into the secured area to wait for a constable to accompany him out of the station.
In 2016, after an hour of waiting in the interrogation room, I became restless. Spotting a telephone, I called 911.
“I’m Santa and I’m locked in a police station.”
“Pardon?”
“I’m Santa and I’m locked in the Rockwood police station.”
The suspicious and sometimes perplexed operator’s questions continued until Santa seemed credible.
An officer on the parade route was contacted. The unusual scenario was discussed and then she was dispatched to the station.
Once she found Santa in the interrogation room, with a chuckle, he was led from the station.
Thanking the officer, I climbed into my VW sleigh and headed for the North Pole by way of Alma.
“Ho Ho.”
