POST FALLS — Wednesday night’s lighting ceremony at the Post Falls Police Department was about more than spreading Christmas cheer.

“They deserve appreciation,” said Shane Anderson, owner of Short Green Landscaping. “They deserve support.”

For seven years now, the Anderson family has decorated the exterior of PFPD with the help of volunteers, traditionally on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

This year, about 20 volunteers joined the Andersons to help decorate — most of whom were local teens.

“They show up every year, rain, snow or shine,” said Lisa Anderson.

Over 50 people joined their community in prayer and celebration Wednesday night before the PFPD building and its landscaping lit up in the reds and greens of Christmas.

“I don’t know if they can comprehend how much this means to us as a law enforcement agency,” said PFPD Capt. Jason Mealer. “It reminds you as a police officer that your community supports you. It’s a really nice feeling.”

Mealer said the relationship PFPD fosters with the community embodies the department’s motto: partners with the community.

“We always want to keep this relationship because it’s vital to us,” Mealer said. 

    From left: Officer Nathan Casey, Officer Josh Close, Officer Justin Grob and Captain Jason Mealer in front of the festively decorated PFPD building.