BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — If you are traveling through Martin County this season, you might spot Sheriff John Kirk and Santa making their rounds. With flashing lights and bags of candy and toys, they are turning roadside stops into moments of Christmas cheer—and proving that even a “citation” can be a gift in disguise.

For the “last few years,” Santa Claus has been using Sheriff Kirk’s patrol cars as if they were his own sleigh. Partnering with the sheriff, the jolly ole guy delivers toys and candy to children riding in vehicles stopped by law enforcement—not for typical infractions but for some holiday-themed “naughtiness.”

“My wife and I put together little bags of candy,” Sheriff Kirk explained. “And we receive donations from a nonprofit that enables us to buy toys for kids of all ages.”

When Santa arrives from the North Pole, he will team up with the sheriff.

“He will ride with me for a few nights,” said Kirk.

Operation “BUSTED” unfolds like this: The sheriff stops a vehicle for a “violation” usually involving a driver accompanied by children. That is Santa’s cue. Dressed in his signature red suit, he approaches the car and delivers the news: the driver was caught being “naughty.” Santa issues a citation and sentences the driver to one random act of kindness.

“Failure to do so will result in the driver being placed on Santa’s naughty list,” Kirk said with a grin. “Of course, Santa gives the driver a lump of coal for being naughty and the kids get a laugh out of it.”

Santa quietly gathers information on how many kids are in the car, along with their ages and genders. Moments later, Sheriff Kirk returns from his cruiser with toys and candy, eliciting wide-eyed smiles and giggles from the backseat.

“It’s a big thing for these kids,” said Kirk. “Some of them don’t get much for Christmas—and some do. But it brings these kids so much joy.”

Kirk sees the operation as a fun opportunity to connect with the community and show kindness to the children.

Each citation includes a playful reminder: “Santa will be watching—and so will the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.” The note wishes drivers a Merry Christmas from the sheriff and his staff. It also encourages them to “drive carefully and be safe.”

“I wish we had more deputies so we could do even more of this,” the sheriff added.

Look for Sheriff Kirk and Santa on patrol in different areas of the county.