The Fremont Police Department, with the help of an anonymous donor, helped spread some Christmas cheer to residents on Tuesday.
Lt. Kurt Bottorff said that for about the past seven or eight years, a donor has contributed “a substantial amount of money” to be given out randomly to residents during the holidays.
“They put money into a card – $100 bills – and give them to police officers,” Bottorff said. “We go out and they are called cash stops. Basically, we have positive contacts with motorists out and about. We stop them for basic things … and then we give them the card with a $100 bill inside.”
Bottorff said some of the motorists are overcome with joy when they see the generous gift.
“We had at least seven or eight yesterday that you could just tell that we hit the home run,” Bottorff said. “They broke down emotionally. You could tell it was a stressful time for them – money was tight, the pandemic had hit home. People are stressed out.”
The lieutenant said the program is a good way to give back to the community.
“This (donation) is from someone that doesn’t even want to be known for doing it,” he said. “That is so cool and that is really what the holidays are all about.”
In other department news, Bottorff issued a warning about the dreaded porch pirates who like to steal packages from the doorsteps of homes.
“Just look out for your neighbors. If you see a package delivered, keep an eye on it,” he said. “It happens. We do our best to try and figure out who is doing it, but work with your neighbors and work with others to try and make sure those packages aren’t taken. If one is misdelivered, either contact the carrier or ask around to figure out the who and the where for it.”
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