OCALA, FL (352today.com) – No one likes to see police lights in their rearview mirror, but there’s one set of law enforcement lights that spreads cheer.
It’s the annual Christmas light show video from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). “This is the fourth or fifth year we’ve done it,” said Lt. Paul Bloom, Director of the Public Information Office.
A week before Christmas, the department made a vague post on Facebook with a creatively cropped shot of a SWAT team member and Santa in the background with the hashtag #IYKYK which is social media shorthand for ‘if you know you know.’
Immediately, followers of the department’s Facebook page started responding expressing excitement.
“I know and I can’t wait,” one person wrote.
“Been waiting on it!! Look forward to it now ever since it started,” posted another.
“So looking forward to it. It gets better and better,” stated another.
Bloom got the initial idea for producing a video after seeing a fire department in another community post something on social media.
He says the first year’s video was pretty basic and has gotten more elaborate each year thanks to the shooting and editing genius of MCSO employee Jonathan Soto. Soto is a media production engineer in the public information office and also a sworn officer.
This year’s video showcases MCSO’s SWAT unit. It features Santa rappelling down a wall and then being shuttled into a van to deliver gifts to good boys and girls across Marion County. What follows is a roughly three-minute light show featuring five SWAT vehicles and choreographed to familiar holiday music ranging from Jingle Bells to Auld Lang Syne. The grand finale is Santa popping out of the center SWAT vehicle and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
VIRAL VIDEO
Bloom says it took less than an hour to shoot and two days to edit. He admits the real magic is in the editing.
He says they mix it up each year to showcase a different division of the sheriff’s office. Past years’ videos have showcased the traffic, aviation, K-9 and patrol units.
They posted the video on the Thursday before Christmas. Based on the department’s Facebook stats, the video is not only viral but also receiving rave reviews with 94,000 views, more than 4,000 reactions, more than 2,000 shares and more than 600 comments as of this publication date.
“Awesome job! Best one ever!” raved one follower.
“Very Nice! Great job MCSO! We love it! I have enjoyed watching all the past seasons and was patiently looking forward to this season! Merry Christmas,” posted another.
“Y’all did so good. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do to keep us safe! Blessings to each and every one!”
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Bloom says that kind of community connection is exactly why they produce the light show video each year.
“Whatever brings folks to our social media news feed, we’re glad to have them there because we want them to feel a part,” said Bloom.
He says they treat their social media presence like a buffet – providing something for everyone.
Content ranges from adorable animals to crazy car chases and other times MCSO doles out a dose of vital information.
“At times I have to put out the vitamins, vitamins are the nutrients that we absolutely need. Those are times during hurricanes when we need to know where the shelters are going to be. Are schools going to be closed? The sandbag locations,” said Bloom. “If there’s a bad guy on the loose, someone we’re looking for, we want the public to know.”
Much like a current post seeking information on the whereabouts of 39-year-old Albert Shell Jr., the man suspected in Saturday’s deadly shooting at Paddock Mall.
Bloom says they rely on tips from the public.
“Many times, we put out faces of people we’re looking for… and we get calls immediately because they’re working together as a village to protect their village. We’re all coming together and making sure we keep the peace,” said Bloom.
He calls crimefighting a community effort. “We have one deputy per one thousand citizens. So, we cannot fight crime all on our own. We credit our citizens with helping us,” said Bloom.
Whether you’re raising a family or a retiree, Bloom says there’s a common thread among the majority of Marion County residents.
“They all just want to live in peace and live their lives.”
He says social media has created open communication with and provided transparency to the public.
Bloom sees that as not just part of his job but as a duty to defend the Constitution of the United States.
“The First Amendment has Freedom of the Press for a reason because our forefathers thought that was important,” said Bloom. “It’s been important in my family – my son, myself, my grandfather – we have the scars from serving our country. That’s one of the amendments we protected, and we fought for. The fact that Americans can know what’s going on with our government. Nothing is hidden.”
He says social media has been good for the sheriff’s office. “We get called some things I can’t say but one of my favorite things we get called is peace officers,” said Bloom.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Bloom says the annual video has gained attention across the country with law enforcement agencies from California to Colorado wanting to copy the concept in their communities.
“Each year, I get a half a dozen calls or emails or contacts from other agencies wanting to know how we did that. They enjoyed it and want to try to implement it back in their place,” said Bloom.
Bloom says the sheriff’s office is already starting to plan next year’s light show but wouldn’t give us any clue as to what’s being plotted.
“We threw some ideas around the table. I like them already. I know it’s going to be some fun stuff,” said Bloom.
We’re confident the department’s fans and followers will be eagerly awaiting it again next Christmas.