Carolers Bring Good Tidings to Offices on Duty in Utica

It has been a less than joyous season for many police departments across the country.

This weekend no fewer than four officers around the country have been shot, at least three fatally. The attacks seem targeted toward - if not the specific officers - police in general.

And in parts of the nation authorities are asking protestors to halt demonstrations until those killed may be laid to rest.

Protests in the Utica / Rome area have been few and far between, perhaps because of better relations fostered between law enforcement and the communities they serve, perhaps for other reasons that address why many of those who reside here have chosen Central New York to be home.

Therefore it may not be all that surprising that some gathered tonight to prove that, once again, Utica does things differently than many other places in the nation.

This evening a group of more than three dozen people gathered at the Utica Police Station to wish the officers a Merry Christmas and offer their support for local law enforcement.

UPD Lieutenant Steve Hauck posted the following video, capturing some of what transpired:

Below the video was the following statement, "Tonight, around 40 people came to the UPD to show their support and sing Christmas carols to the officers on duty. I cannot express how much your thoughtful gesture means to us. On behalf of all the men and women of the UPD, we wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!!"