Amanda Pevey
Photos by Carla Wilson
On Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, the Millbrook Police Department hosted its 10th annual Operation Blue Santa at the Millbrook Judicial Complex. This year’s event featured a winter carnival set up behind the complex, complete with bounce houses for the children and free hot dogs and hamburgers provided by the Three Rivers chapter of the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.
Children and families also had the chance to visit with the International Blue Santa Claus, a member of the Punishers LEMC, and take photos to capture the special moments. In all, more than 215 children were served through this year’s Operation Blue Santa.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for being here today. This is a labor of love for the Millbrook Police Department, but I want to be perfectly clear about something. My officers and staff spend 365 days planning for this, and there is a lot of work that the police department does but today would not be possible without help and partnership with all of the different kinds of civic groups. There is no way I can list all of them today. I want to thank the Punishers Three Rivers Chapter Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club; they have been our largest partner in this endeavor. Pest Pro, the American Legion Post 133, numerous of our local churches, Robinson Springs Church, Millbrook Presbyterian Church, New Life Church, and so many other businesses, and the citizens of Millbrook that have all partnered with the Millbrook Police Department,” said Chief P.K. Johnson.
The Operation Blue Santa Project began in 2015 when Lt. Don Pugh brought the idea to Chief Johnson. In mid-October, Pugh walked into the chief’s office and said, “Chief, I have this idea for Operation Blue Santa. If we involve our community, our churches, businesses, and citizens, we can reach more people.”
Chief Johnson recalled loving the idea but questioning whether it could be accomplished in such a short time frame. “I love the idea, but there’s no way we can get this done from October to December,” he said.
Despite the tight timeline, the program launched that year and helped 60 children in the community during its first Christmas season.
“This is our eighth year partnering with the Millbrook Police Department for the Blue Santa Ride and the Operation Blue Santa project. Each year, it continues to grow bigger and better. The chief mentioned our community partners, and if you’ve been following Facebook, the news, and all the positive coverage, you can see just how many more organizations have stepped up to help make this event what it is today,” said National Enforcer Captain Johnny Stiles.
Stiles continued, “The American Legion made a tremendous donation, and Pest Pro helped in an incredible way this year—it truly amazed me how much they contributed. We do this because we love our community. We are part of this community, and taking care of one another is what it’s all about.”
As Operation Blue Santa enters its second decade, Millbrook Police officials say the program continues to reflect the strength of community partnerships and a shared commitment to ensuring local children experience the joy of Christmas. What began as a small idea in 2015 has grown into a yearly tradition, bringing together law enforcement, civic groups, churches, businesses, and residents to serve hundreds of families and spread holiday cheer throughout Millbrook.
