Chicago Cops Spread Holiday Cheer With Heavy Hearts
(CBS) -- Chicago police officers were spreading holiday cheer today to families in blue. But, as WBBM's Nancy Harty reports, they did it with heavy hearts following the attack on two New York officers Saturday.
Operation Santa is about giving gifts to the families of Chicago police officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. It is a tradition that goes back several years.
Chicago Police Memorial Foundation executive director Phil Cline says this year's effort took on even more significance in light of the murders of two New York police officers.
"It makes everybody here realize that the job we have is a very dangerous job and unfortunately today it makes us realize that that's why we're going out there," Cline said.
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Cline wouldn't share if he has heard anything about specific threats made against Chicago police officers but says there is a heightened sense of alert here. He is certain that the department is looking at intelligence on chatter on any such threats.
Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy released a statement saying, " Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the two officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community yesterday, and with the entire New York Police Department. The men and women who protect the streets of cities throughout this country face real dangers every day, and through their courage and bravery they serve us all. We are all part of a community, and regardless of what city we live in we must continue to come together, as law enforcement, as local leaders, and as residents, in a partnership for peace."
