It all started back on December 20th with a “routine”
report of a stolen bicycle. What Officer
Brent Northrup learned was that this case was anything but “routine”.
The victim in this case was a Branciforte Middle School
student, Justa Ferguson. She earned the
bicycle from the school for her good grades.
A thief had taken her hard-earned bike from the family’s porch. Just like that….her reward was stolen from
her.
Officer Northrup circulated a picture of the stolen
bicycle to our entire department, in hopes someone might see the bike. The next day at their shift briefing, the
team talked about this theft. During that
briefing…..the mission was hatched.
During their briefing, the team discussed their
outrage. That’s when Officer Carly Cross
put that outrage into action and formed a plan with Officer Wendy Ramm and
Brent Northrup. The team was going to surprise
Justa with a new bicycle and deliver it Christmas morning.
Carly reached out to Mom to make the arrangements. Over their days off, the plan was put into
full swing.
Officer Northrup drove to the Walmart in Sacramento on
the promise they had the bike. They didn’t;
but not to be deterred, Brent found the bike at the West Sacramento store.
Christmas morning, the entire dayshift team saddled up
and headed out.
The family was treated to a full police parade welcome complete
with lights……and the surprise of a new bike complete with a bike light, bell and
lock for Justa.
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| Officer Northrup makes one last check of the bike |
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| The excitement builds |
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| Merry Christmas Justa |
The team also brought gifts for her two younger brothers. The Police Officer’s Association got wind of
this plan, and sponsored all the costs for the bike, supplies and gifts for the
family.
The team was so excited to get to do this. They commented on how it was great to be a
part of something so special for this family.
We, of course, are so proud that we have officers that
bring this level of care to the community in addition to the job they do every
day. Remember these great officers as they are
working through Christmas day away from their families to keep our community
safe.
Merry Christmas to Justa and her family
