MIAMI-DADE
There were red and blue flashing lights, but instead of a fine, some drivers got a surprise that they will never forget.
Miami-Dade police officers in motorcycles were spreading holiday cheer on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in an unexpected way.
"The reason I pulled you over was to wish you a Merry Christmas, and I'm giving you a $100 gift certificate," a police officer said. A woman in a family minivan flashed a smile.
It was a scene that played out multiple times Wednesday and Thursday. Some people couldn't believe the officers' generosity, which was part of an effort to remind the community that officers are not the bad guys, police said.
CITY OF MIAMI
Miami police officers raised money to take children in need on holiday shopping sprees.
The excitement of the children at times was not because they were getting toys for themselves. Some of the kids were using the opportunity to get presents for their family
Miami police department's head elf, Major Delrish Moss, said he has been doing this for many years.
This year Moss said an 11-year-old boy named Matthew wrote a letter to Miami police to ask for help. His family couldn't afford Christmas. The officers collected donations from colleagues and gave him a hand.
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