ALLEGAN, Mich. — An annual tradition in Allegan County is continuing by dispatchers this Christmas.
For the last several years, Allegan County has put out a 'be on the lookout' for Santa call over their police scanners. It's a tradition many children throughout the county look forward to during the holiday season.
This year, dispatch supervisor Paul Hapke read the message over the scanner.
The total message included:
"Central to all units: At approximately 19:50, Doppler radar was tracking a red sleigh coming from a northerly direction and believed to be heading towards Allegan County. Suspect number one is described as a white male, approximately 50 years of age, 240 lbs with rosy red cheeks, a nose like a cherry, having a large belly, white hair, flowing beard, wearing a red and white coat. Suspect goes by the last name of Claus, first name Santa, but also has aliases of Kris Kringle, St. Nick, and Father Christmas. Suspect has been seen making entry to numerous residences, possibly through chimneys. Subject does not appear to be violent. Suspects number 2 through 8 are described as a tiny, deer-like in appearance. Suspect number 9 is a male, brown fur, antlers, bells on a harness and what is described as a red glowing nose. Suspect vehicle is described as a large, open sleigh with a personalized license plate of NOEL1. All suspects were seen going from rooftop to rooftop and carrying a large sack that appeared to be stuffed with unknown contents. Suspect has been heard leaving each location shouting 'Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.' If located, children everywhere are requesting that he be sent on his way, for he has good will and peace to spread throughout the land.'
Allegan County has been carrying on the tradition for the last 7 years consecutively. There were a few years in between when dispatchers did read out the message, but some dispatchers remember as far back as 20 years ago with the Christmas tradition.
