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On December 16, 2016, a Simi Valley family awoke to find their exterior Christmas decorations had been vandalized. The vandals had spay painted and cut all of the power lines to the lighted decorations. The two-year-old little girl was particularly upset that this Grinch had destroyed her favorite decoration, the "Chase" inflatable character from the cartoon series "Paw Patrol."

Simi Valley Police Department Property Officer Kristen Mesa happened to come across the story on social media and it struck a chord. The next day, while Property Officer Mesa was reviewing photos in her role in the Department's Evidence and Property Room, Mesa saw the evidentiary photographs taken by the officer investigating the case. Mesa immediately started in informal fundraiser among her coworkers with the intention of collecting $60 to replace "Chase."

Property Officer Mesa's compassion and enthusiasm for supporting this family and this little girl impressed those around her to the degree that she quickly surpassed her original goal and collected over $225. While "Chase" had to be backordered online and likely not arrive for a of few days, Mesa did use the extra funds she raised to purchase a number of "Paw Patrol" related toys for the little girl.

When she reached out to the family via telephone and told them that she was saddened by the events that had transpired and wanted to do something nice for the family, the father was shocked and grateful for the kind gesture.

As a surprise, Property Officer Mesa made arrangements for K9 Officer Jason Wilkinson to accompany her with his partner "Titan" to deliver the gifts. As an added bonus "Titan" closely resembles "Chase."

It was a joyous day for the little girl when Mesa, Wilkinson, and Titan, on their own time, arrived at her Simi Valley home on the day before Christmas to deliver the presents.

All of the Simi Valley Police Department personnel who supported Property Officer Mesa's efforts to help this family displayed the true meaning of Christmas spirit.

As a side note, this story only came to the Department's attention because of a third party. Property Officer Mesa did not make any effort to bring attention to herself, keeping her fundraising very low key. Property Officer Mesa has a huge heart and as soon as "Chase" is delivered she will personally be delivering him to the family.

(If any media outlet would like to pursue this story in further detail please refer to the contact information specifically related to this release.)