Special Needs Children Receive Visit from Santa and NYPD Highway Patrol at Annual ‘Santa Sleigh Ride’ Event

NYPD Hosts Special Holiday Event for Special Needs Children on Staten Island

Staten Island, NY – In a heartwarming display of holiday spirit, Santa Claus made a special appearance on Wednesday, teaming up with the NYPD’s Highway Patrol to spread cheer to special needs children at the Seton Foundation for Learning. This year’s event marked the 12th annual “Santa Sleigh Ride,” which has become a cherished tradition within the community.

The initiative, spearheaded by Detective Tommy Cerbone, has served not only to deliver gifts but also to forge a bond between law enforcement and the local community. However, this year’s celebration was particularly poignant, as it signified Det. Cerbone’s final event in uniform before his retirement, necessitated by a diagnosis of kidney cancer related to his service during the post-9/11 recovery efforts.

Reflecting on the event’s inception, Cerbone remarked, “We started this 12 years ago … I wanted to pay this thing forward that changed my life.” His dedication to the cause has inspired dozens of officers from the NYPD’s Highway 5 unit to volunteer their time and efforts, reinforcing the sentiment of community involvement and support.

At the event, children were not only greeted by Santa himself but were also treated to rides on NYPD motorcycles, creating joyful, lasting memories. Officers, along with family members and local residents, showered the participants with gifts and holiday hugs. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and excitement, exemplifying the mission of the Seton Foundation, which is dedicated to providing education and support for children with diverse special needs.

Cerbone was honored by the children during a small ceremony, where they expressed their gratitude for his years of service and commitment to their well-being. Nonetheless, he humbly redirected the focus back to the collective effort of the event, stating, “This is not a Det. Cerbone operation — this is a Highway 5 operation… Without these children, we wouldn’t be here ourselves.”

The Seton Foundation for Learning, located in Bulls Head, plays a vital role in the community by offering specialized education to students with unique challenges. For over a decade, the Highway 5 unit has ensured that these children experience the joy of Santa’s visit during the holiday season, fostering a sense of belonging and joy in their lives.

As the NYPD continues to strengthen ties with the community, this event exemplifies the importance of compassion and collaboration in making a significant impact on the lives of those who need it most. With Detective Cerbone stepping back into civilian life, his legacy of kindness and service will undoubtedly live on, inspiring both officers and community members to continue this cherished tradition for years to come.