Santa Visits LAX
Story and photos courtesy Officer Rob Pedregon, Airport Police
On Christmas morning at LAX, Airport Police and Santa Claus walked the second busiest airport in the nation, greeting passengers, posing with travelers and employees while handing out teddy bears, candy canes and ornaments to children traveling on the special day.
It marked the fourth year that Santa Claus, who resembled Steve Van Noord, spent his Christmas morning walking with Airport Police handing out stuffed animals. With a jolly “ho ho ho,” Van Noord said, “We look forward to this every year, seeing the joy on all the children’s faces and the excitement of seeing Santa Claus as he gives them gifts. “It’s really an amazing feeling.”
“Keeping the traveling public safe and secure is our first priority, and many of us can’t be with our own children on Christmas morning, but to see the happiness that Santa brings to these children fills that empty space till we can make it home to our families,” said Airport Police Officer Rob Pedregon.
