On Saturday, December 5th the West Hennepin Public Safety Police Reserves held their 29^th annual View Santa Program.  The Police Reserves walk about 9 miles through parts of Maple Plain and Independence, handing out a holiday greeting bag with candy and treats to children along the route.  The first stop was at the Independence City Hall to give the kids a chance for a photo opportunity with Santa on his sleigh. At a later time they stop at the Maple Plain City Hall. 

For several years now, the Police Reserves have been collecting food as they travel along their route through town for the food shelf at the Maple Plain Community Church which serves the surrounding communities.  This year, over 1,400 pounds of food was collected and $318.00 in donations that were given to the local food shelf.  Thank you to the community for your support of the Police Reserve’s View Santa Program.

Every year, the Police Reserves take a group photo before departing on the View Santa parade.  This year, one of the West Hennepin Public Safety Officers, Ben Raskin, wasn’t able to attend the festivities because he is serving our country as a member of the MN National Guard in Iraq.  A banner was made up with a special message to wish Ben a Merry Christmas.  The Reserves would hope that you would also remember all of our military personnel that will be away from family this holiday season. 

Reserve Coordinator Officer Stephanie Heupel stated, “The West Hennepin Public Safety Police Reserves would like to thank all of the people along the route that donated food and money, and all the little kids that came to see Santa.”  Also special thanks to Randy O’Brien, a long time friend of the Police Reserves, for helping out this year playing the part of Santa Claus.  He did a wonderful job.

The West Hennepin Public Safety Department would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday season.

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