Brooklyn police officers traded their uniforms to play a less serious — but equally as rewarding role — on Thursday evening, when they dressed as Santa Claus and superheroes to visit those in need of some holiday cheer.
Police officers from the Brooklyn North precinct dressed as Saint Nick, as well as Superman, Batman and the like, to visit area hospitals and local residents.
“Now we’re safe!” exclaimed an excited child as the eight officers from the Brooklyn North precinct walked into Interfaith Medical Center on Prospect Place around 3 p.m.
Dressed as Saint Nick, Superman, Batman and Robin they had four thousand gifts to deliver to the five planned stops.
“I got to meet superman and I told him we could be best friends,” said Joseph Valdez, 10, after a visit with the blue bloods. “I love Christmas!”
After Interfaith, the cops in character made stops at The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Woodhull Hospital and Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, before finishing with a stop at the home of of Domingo Tapia, a husband and father of two boys – ages 5 and 7 – who is in a coma after he was sucker-punched while riding his bike in June.
The officers spent an hour at each hospital and arrived at the Tapia residence on Ralph Ave. around 7 p.m.
“Everyone is so caught up in getting presents, but it’s about making them smile,” said Officer Sullys Ceballos, who was dressed as Black Widow. “It’s about making their day.”