Sheriff Santa brings holiday cheer to those who helped pave the way
(Seguin) — Who needs a red nosed reindeer when you can manage your holiday deliveries by simply flashing those red and blue emergency lights?
The answer, Santa Sheriff.
Santa Sheriff, a.k.a. Guadalupe County Sheriff Arnold Zwicke on Tuesday grabbed the reins for the very last time as he wrapped up a longtime tradition of delivering gifts to area nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
For years, Zwicke has ensured that those living in each of the county’s nursing homes were remembered and gifted with a shiny red bag filled with special gifts made possible by the local community.
This year’s delivery, however, was bittersweet in that it was Zwicke’s final time to don the red and white bearded suit as he officially retires as the top law enforcement officer for Guadalupe County.
“It’s a little different you know – I’ve been doing this for 13 years now and I don’t know — maybe later it will hit me but right now, we are having fun. I’ve got a job to do,” said Zwicke.
Zwicke says he remembers quite clearly when the annual holiday program was first introduced.
“We came from helping the Seguin Police Department Blue Santa and then we looked at how can we help others and some of the ladies came up with the rest home idea and
I thought it was a great idea and so our first year, we had that garage sale and got some money together and through donations, we were able to pull it off and after that, we met and asked if we wanted to continue and of course, we did and then they said there’s only one thing missing and I was like ‘what’s that?’ And then they said, ‘a Santa!’ I said let’s find one and then the room got quiet, and I said, ‘Oh Oh!’ and here I am,” said Zwicke.
Ever since 2011, Zwicke says the program has snowballed into what it is today. He says not only do residents get a special visit from the sheriff, but they also get caroling courtesy of some of his “brown elves.”
“When we started in 2011, we went to six places, six rest homes and now we have built it up to 10 and a lot of that reason was to cover everybody and plus the community’s support has allowed us to do that so the support has been tremendous,” said Zwicke.
Zwicke says over the years, he’s recalled plenty of special memories – memories that will forever be cherished.
“The first quick memory would be when a little biddy old lady grabbed me and hugged me and said, ‘I’ve always believed in you,’ and you could see the twinkle in her eye, and it just made my day. The first year, I was scared to do this and now, I can’t wait,” said Zwicke.
With the new incoming Sheriff Joshua Ray taking over the elected office in January, Zwicke says he hopes that he too finds the same support to continue this long-time tradition.
“I believe that it’s very important that we continue this tradition. Let’s not forget the people who paved the way for us. It’s Christmas time and Seguin and Guadalupe County has always been a time of giving and we always want to do our part,” said Zwicke.
Those receiving a special visit on Monday were residents at Guadalupe Valley Nursing Center; Walnut Springs; Seguin Assisted Living; Argent Court and at Nesbit Living & Recovery Center. Tuesday’s schedule wrapped up with the Brooks of Cibolo; Silver Tree in Schertz; Autumn Winds in Schertz; Remarkable Healthcare and Windsor Nursing and Rehabilitation in Seguin.
