Q: What do you get when you put a police officer and Santa Claus together?A: A BLUE SANTA!
Operation Blue Santa was designed to bring cheer to children of fallen peace officers. Mesa Police Department has been blessed not to have to endure a loss recently; however, it is the funds purpose to help others in need. Proceeds were raised for this event from the MPA Officer Assistance Fund (O.A.F.).
MPA’s BLUE Santa made a stop Friday, December 21st, 2007 to celebrate the bravery of the late Sergeant Tate Allen Lynch of the Casa Grande Police Department. The Mesa Police Association (MPA)’s first annual “Operation Blue Santa” delivered gifts to the Tate family in efforts to make this Christmas special for the grieving family.
Sgt. Lynch died October 25, 2007, from head injuries sustained in a SWAT Team training accident. He leaves behind a wife and three children; (8 year old son, 6 year old daughter and a 10 year old daughter). MPA’s Blue Santa arrived in a patrol car with gifts for the whole family.
