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Christmas surprise for families of fallen officers

Posted at 11:43 PM, Dec 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-16 23:43:10-05

The holidays are a time of family and joy.

They can also be a time of remembrance and sorrow for many who have lost a loved one.

On Saturday morning, the Southwest Florida community gathered for the 3rd Annual Adopt-A-Family at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers.

The SWAT Team escorted and transported the Koelber, Riner and the Jobbers-Miller families - loved ones of fallen officers.

The families arrived at the stadium, and it's safe to say they had no idea what a great day was in store for them.

After a warm welcome from Santa and Christmas carols from attendees, they were lead inside the stadium. That's where the Christmas magic began.

Multiple donors including Sky Zone, Paradise Hobbies, Sea World, Wear the Fun, and many more organizations donated gifts to the families.

Each child had a table filled with presents donated by the community, and there were gifts for the parents, too.

"It is wonderful to see", said Captain Jay Rodriguez of the Fort Myers Police Department.

The community's support was evident. From a donated lunch from Mission's BBQ to a dog named after Fallen Fort Myers Police Department Officer Adam Jobbers-Miller, it was clear that Southwest Florida wanted them to know that they are loved and never forgotten.