Rochester Police Department brings cocoa and community connections
The Grinch brought gifts to the Rochester Police Department event Dec. 5. Photos by Grace Roche
A young attendee roasts a marshmallow over a flame. 
The decorated police cruiser, on loan from Murphy's Towing.
The Grinch brought gifts to the Rochester Police Department event Dec. 5. Photos by Grace Roche
A young attendee roasts a marshmallow over a flame.
The decorated police cruiser, on loan from Murphy's Towing.
ROCHESTER — Hot chocolate flowed, a fire crackled and holiday movies played on an inflatable screen at the Rochester Police Department’s second annual Christmas Cruiser Illumination.
The event was held Dec. 5 at the department’s 29 Dexter Lane location and featured appearances by the Grinch, Santa Clause and a visit from the Rochester Fire Department.
Police Chief Michael Assad said the evening is part of the department’s community policing approach.
“It's nice that the community gets to see police in a different role,” Assad said. “Community policing is the only way we're going to solve stuff.”
He said many people have negative opinions about the police, but he said he and fellow officers are there “to help, not hurt.”
Assad said after a successful event last year, he wanted to bring it back.
In front of the building was an old police cruiser borrowed from Murphy’s Towing, decorated in blue lights. He said this was a change from last year, when the department lit up their newly acquired pickup truck for the previous event.
Along with community members in attendance, a number of on- and off-duty officers and other department employees came to the holiday celebration.
Among them was Jennifer Cardoza, of Fairhaven, who recently began her role as the administrative assistant to the department. She brought her two children with her, and said besides the blistering cold it was a fun evening.
“I like being involved in the community, and I like the Rochester community,” Cardoza said. Everyone's been super nice with me being here and working for the police department. I think everyone really loves the police department, which is really nice.”
One attendee even came bearing gifts for the crowd. As the Grinch made his entrance to the event, he handed out police-themed toys and cups to the children there.
Assad said the department has received reports of the green-haired creature attempting several crimes, and is on the lookout for the alleged criminal.
“We have a couple charges out on him, because he's tried to break into a couple cars, and he is trying to ruin Christmas,” he said. “At one point, hopefully, we'll take him into custody.”
