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Will Bob get his Christmas wish from Santa? (8 photos)

Sitting on Santa’s knee, Police Chief Bob Keetch asked for just one thing. The passing of his first Police Services Board budget. The new chief was acting as security detail for St.

Sitting on Santa’s knee, Police Chief Bob Keetch asked for just one thing.

The passing of his first Police Services Board budget.

The new chief was acting as security detail for St. Nick on Friday, as they toured the paediatric ward of the Sault Area Hospital (SAH), handing presents to sick children and newborns.

"Obviously Santa has a great relationship with everybody. Just to see their smiles on their faces makes being here special for all of us,” said Keetch.

The visit was in partnership with the Kinsmen and Sault Ste. Marie Police Services and included an appearance by Elmer the Safety Elephant.

"It’s just an opportunity to brighten up the days of these young folk who would rather be somewhere other than the hospital,” said Mario Paluzzi, director of communications and public affairs for the SAH.

The new chief is no stranger to infant wards, he was an investigator in a 2007 baby abduction in Sudbury that made national headlines.

The baby in that case was recovered seven hours later and many of the security upgrades that came about because of that investigation could be seen in the Sault Area Hospital’s infant ward, including anti-abduction bracelets which sound an alarm if a baby is close to an exit.

(PHOTO: Santa Claus looks at newborn baby Merrick Boissoneau during a visit at the Sault Area Hospital on December 12, 2014. Kenneth Armstrong/SooToday)


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Kenneth Armstrong

About the Author: Kenneth Armstrong

Kenneth Armstrong is a news reporter and photojournalist who regularly covers municipal government, business and politics and photographs events, sports and features.
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