Turkey or Ticket: Somerset PD Spreads Christmas Cheer

SOMERSET, Ohio – Seemingly ordinary traffic stops took a jolly turn
this morning as law enforcement officers in the Village of Somerset
spread holiday cheer throughout the tightly-knit community. Law
abiding motorists pulled over by officers were informed that they
were stopped for driving safely and presented with either a Christmas
ham or turkey purchased by the department. Officer Isaac Wiseman,
with the Somerset PD, says the program is designed to give back to
the community.

“Today, we just
wanted to give back to the small community we have here by giving
them hams and turkeys and Christmas cards from the Police Department.
And, everybody here signed it—the Mayor signed the cards and stuff.
So, we just wanted to give back because they give to us; so we just
wanted to give back to them today.”

Apprehension turned
to delight as officers revealed the true purpose behind the sirens
and flashing lights following residents down the streets of Somerset.
Resident Verda Walker says she felt touched to have received a
turkey.

“It’s a
wonderful project and I’ve got family coming for Christmas so I’ve
got a turkey to cook now! And, these guys here in town they’re
wonderful.”

Officer Wiseman says
the Holiday Turkey and Ham Program is a source of Christmas joy—not
only for the recipients; but for the police force as well.

“They loved
it—most of them loved it. They just were overwhelmed that we were
giving them something. They were questioning why they were stopped
and stuff but we were just stopping them because they were doing a
good driving and using their turn signals.”

This year marks the
second year for the Somerset Police Department Holiday Turkey and Ham
Program. Over 20 area residents received either a turkey or a ham for
Christmas dinner.