Petal police officers surprise drivers with monetary gifts for holidays

PETAL, Miss. (WDAM) - Several drivers in Petal like Alissa Nixon saw flashing blue lights Wednesday and immediately went into panic mode.

“I just wanted to get home,” Nixon said. “I just got out of class.”

But officers weren’t stopping them to hand out a ticket.

Instead, they wanted to share a little help for the holiday season.

“In total (Wednesday), we handed out $500,” Petal Police Department Chief Matthew Hiatt said.

Petal police carried on a two-year-old tradition with donations from an anonymous resident.

Erin Austin was stopped over by Keith’s Gas Station on Main Street and thought the worse when she saw Officer Emily Holder walking toward her car.

‘I saw her with a pen out,” Austin said. “I thought she was writing something. I’ve got to contact my insurance. They’re gonna make it all go up.”

The surprise came just in time for Jennifer Cripps as her family prepared to spend Christmas without two vital members.

“My husband’s deployed, and my son’s also deployed,” Cripps said, “So, it just meant a lot.”

Hiatt and his team were thankful for a chance to put a smile on people’s faces and not a look of nervousness.

“It really does our heart good just to be a part of something that provides maybe just a little something extra this time of year,” Hiatt said.

The feeling was mutual for everyone involved.

“It’s just awesome to see them be able to get smiles as well because I know they’re not used to seeing the good side of people,” Austin said.