A SWAT team brings Christmas cheer to Casino Road

Officers dressed in tactical gear and reindeer antlers shared presents with 150 children.

EVERETT — They waited for the doors of an imposing armored truck to open. On Friday, the monstrous vehicle was strung with colorful lights, and Christmas gifts were piled inside.

Kids and their families filled the parking lot at the Casino Road Boys & Girls Club. A line stretched down the street. Officers dressed in SWAT gear and reindeer antlers shared presents with 150 children.

They were all members of the Region One SWAT team, which is made up of Everett police officers and Snohomish County sheriff’s deputies.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Martin came up with the idea during SWAT training Thursday.

More than 35 officers pooled their money and stocked bags with stickers, glow sticks and candy canes.

Oftentimes when the team is working in the community, it’s a worst-case scenario. “We want people to know that we are here to protect them,” Martin said.

Word of the event spread fast around the Casino Road neighborhood.

The Boys & Girls Club offered to host the gathering and made posters inviting families. When police arrived, there were about 75 kids in the parking lot.

Phoenix Maier, 3, was among them.

He and his mother, Rose, bundled up in warm coats and walked to the gathering. They live just a few blocks away. Phoenix was wearing one of the officers’ festive elf hats. He hopes to be a police officer one day. Either that or a dad, he said.

The gift bags ran out quickly, but families didn’t seem to mind.

Kids stood next to the officers and had their picture taken. A little boy walked up to Martin just for a hug.

“We just came to see you guys,” one person said.

Caitlin Tompkins: 425-339-3192; ctompkins@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Janet Garcia walks into the courtroom for her arraignment at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Monday, April 22, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett mother found competent to stand trial in stabbing death of 4-year-old son

A year after her arraignment, Janet Garcia appeared in court Wednesday for a competency hearing in the death of her son, Ariel Garcia.

Everett council member to retire at end of term

Liz Vogeli’s retirement from the council opens up the race in the November election for Everett’s District 4 seat.

Washington State Department of Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn speaks during the Economic Alliance Snohomish County’s Annual Meeting and Awards events on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Commerce boss: How Washington state can make it easier for small businesses

Joe Nguyen made the remarks Wednesday during the annual meeting of the Economic Alliance Snohomish County and the Snohomish County Awards

LifeWise local co-directors Darcie Hammer and Sarah Sweeny talk about what a typical classroom routine looks like on Monday, April 14, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett off-campus Bible program draws mixed reaction from parents

The weekly optional program, LifeWise Academy, takes children out of public school during the day for religious lessons.

An EcoRemedy employee checks a control panel of their equipment at the Edmonds Wastewater Treatment Plant on Thursday, April 17, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds launches technology to destroy PFAS

Edmonds is the first city in the country to implement… Continue reading

Mary Ann Karber, 101, spins the wheel during Wheel of Forunte at Washington Oakes on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lunch and Wheel of Fortune with some Everett swinging seniors

She’s 101 and he’s 76. At Washington Oakes, fun and friendship are on the menu.

Christian Sayre sits in the courtroom before the start of jury selection on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Jury selection begins in latest trial of former Everett bar owner

Opening statements for Christian Sayre’s fourth trial are scheduled for Monday. It is expected to conclude by May 16.

Ian Terry / The Herald Zachary Mallon, an ecologist with the Adopt A Stream Foundation, checks the banks of Catherine Creek in Lake Stevens for a spot to live stake a willow tree during a volunteer event on Saturday, Feb. 10. Over 40 volunteers chipped in to plant 350 trees and lay 20 cubic yards of mulch to help provide a natural buffer for the stream. Photo taken on 02102018
Snohomish County salmon recovery projects receive $1.9M in state funding

The latest round of Climate Commitment Act dollars will support fish barrier removals and habitat restoration work.

Fosse will not seek reelection; 2 candidates set to run for her seat

Mason Rutledge and Sam Hem announced this week they will seek the District 1 City Council position.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Brier in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Brier police levy fails; officials warn current staffing is not sustainable

With no new funding, officials say the department will remain stretched thin.

K-POP Empire store owners Todd Dickinson and Ricky Steinlars at their new store location on Thursday, April 17, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood K-pop store wary of new tariffs

Much of the store’s merchandise, which arrives from China and South Korea, is facing new import fees.

The Kaiser Permanente Lynnwood Medical Center building on Friday, April 25, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Kaiser Permanente to open Everett Medical Center expansion

On June 3, several specialty services at the organization’s Lynnwood location will move to the expanded clinic.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.