Editor’s note: This article is adapted with permission from the January 2025 issue of PORAC Law Enforcement News, the official magazine of the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC).

In one of the largest events of its kind, processions of patrol vehicles and fire trucks from local, state and federal public safety agencies in the Central Coast and Southern California rolled by local hospitals with lights and sirens activated to spread joy to health care workers and their patients during Operation Holiday Cheer.

Over the course of two days in December, hundreds of first responders from nearly 50 law enforcement agencies simultaneously visited about 40 hospitals in San Bernardino, Riverside, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and San Benito counties — covering an area of more than 400 miles, or nearly one-third of the state. During the parades, doctors, nurses and hospital staff congregated outside their facilities to cheer on and take part in photo ops with officers, who even brought Santa and other holiday characters along for the ride. Patients were also able to join in the fun by waving at the processions from the comfort of their rooms.

The annual effort was first spearheaded by peace officers in 2021 to show appreciation for the frontline medical workers who, like their public safety counterparts, work tirelessly and selflessly each and every day to serve their communities. Additionally, it’s intended to bring a welcome smile to the faces of patients and their families dealing with difficult medical issues during what is supposed to be a celebratory time of the year.

“This event started during the height of the COVID pandemic, when hospitals were at their breaking points with patients, and staff was stretched thin,” shares Cuesta College Police Chief Rich Randolph, who helped create and plan the first event. “It was also around the time of the ‘defund the police’ movement. This event was designed to reinforce law enforcement’s support to our fellow first responders and the communities we serve.”