Five-year-old Tyree Brandon hopes someday to be a police officer.
So, when he first heard police sirens and then saw police vehicles pulling into Hilltop Manor, he was excited.
But, when Brandon realized that Santa Claus himself was accompanying the officers via trolley, he couldn’t get his hat, coat and mittens on fast enough.
Santa Claus sits with one of the residents of Hilltop Manor during the Scranton Police Department’s Sidewalk Santa event on Sat., Dec. 20, 2025. (COURTESY CITY OF SCRANTON)
Scranton Police officers including Det. Jill Foley, left, and Ptlm. Gary McPhillips distribute toys and snacks during the Scranton Police Department’s Sidewalk Santa event. (COURTESY CITY OF SCRANTON)
Scranton police officer Anthony Roberto greets a youngster at the Sidewalk Santa event Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. (GERI Gibbons/STAFF PHOTO)
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Santa Claus sits with one of the residents of Hilltop Manor during the Scranton Police Department’s Sidewalk Santa event on Sat., Dec. 20, 2025. (COURTESY CITY OF SCRANTON)
Not only did he and dozens of other children get holiday gift bags from the Jolly Old Elf, but the youngsters also got a quick tour of a police vehicle.
In no time, Brandon was sitting in a police vehicle, smiling with an officer was encouraging his mother to take a quick photo.
Santa’s arrival was part of the Scranton Police Department’s “Sidewalk Santa” effort, now in its sixth year.
Pennsylvania State Police and the city fire department also joined in the festivities.
Santa joined officers at Laurel Woods Apartments and finished his day at the Keyser Oak Shopping Center, having greeted hundreds of children and assuring them they were on the “good list.”
Santa and the officers arrived by trolley donated by Gilbride Limo to distribute goodie bags and coupons to children who excitedly made their way to the street in 11 different areas of the city, including several housing complexes.
A bright spot in hard times
Stephanie Brandon said the event “made my son’s day.”
In addition to a bit of fun to kick off the holiday week, the event provided a very much appreciated holiday gift bag.
In the midst of a year filled with economic challenges, every little bit helps to make the holiday brighter, she said.
Brandon said she guessed the event would serve to strengthen her son’s resolve to someday become a police officer.
The spirit of Santa
Former police officer John McNichols has portrayed Santa at the event for several years.
McNichols embodies the spirit of Santa in looks and spirit. Many of those attending remarked that he looked like he truly had just made his way down from the North Pole for a special visit to the city.
Sgt. Christopher Hallock, who organizes the event, said the program replaced the city’s “Undercover Santa” program in 2020 and has continued to adapt to the needs of the community.
For example, last year he made the decision to hold the program on a Saturday rather than on a weeknight. That means Santa arrives earlier in the day, which seems to work well.
“Another goal if for children to see officers in uniform in a positive light,” Hallock said. “A lot of times when kids encounter police, it’s when something bad happens. So, this is building a relationship and letting them know that we’re someone they can go to if they need help.”
The program is supported by the Mueller Family McDonald’s, local Burger King locations, and Manning’s Farm Dairy.