Police and fire departments in southeast Minnesota joined forces to spread some holiday cheer this week.

The organization is called Bluff Country Hidden Heroes.

The police and fire volunteers come together to help Santa Claus deliver presents to 86 local kids in Winona, Houston and Fillmore counties.

The group is led by Investigator Chris Frick of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. 

He stopped by the La Crosse Talk studio to talk about the uniformed philanthropists and what that day means to him and the others. 

"It is, by far, my favorite day of the year," said Frick. "You cannot leave that night without a smile on your face. The kids are smiling, the first responders...20-year vets that are out there, they're kind of gruff but they can't leave that night without a smile. Mom and dad, a lot of times, get kind of teary-eyed but it reminds us all why we got into that field of public service."

Frick said they reach out to schools who select two or three children who then receive presents from the group. 

They work with Walmart in Onalaska and Pepsi in La Crosse and other donations to help get together all the presents needed for delivery. 

On the "Holidays with the Heroes" day, emergency vehicles help escort Santa around to help deliver gifts to the families.

Police and fire departments in southeast Minnesota joined forces to spread some holiday cheer this week.
The organization is called Bluff Country Hidden Heroes.
The police and fire volunteers come together to help Santa Claus deliver presents to 86 local kids in Winona, Houston and Fillmore counties.
The group is led by Investigator Chris Frick of the Houston County Sheriff&rsquo;s Office.&nbsp;
He stopped by the La Crosse Talk studio to talk about the uniformed philanthropists and what that day means to him and the others.&nbsp;
"It is, by far, my favorite day of the year," said Frick. "You cannot leave that night without a smile on your face. The kids are smiling, the first responders...20-year vets that are out there, they're kind of gruff but they can't leave that night without a smile. Mom and dad, a lot of times, get kind of teary-eyed but it reminds us all why we got into that field of public service."
Frick said they reach out to schools who select two or three children who then receive presents from the group.&nbsp;
They work with Walmart in Onalaska and Pepsi in La Crosse and other donations to help get together all the presents needed for delivery.&nbsp;
On the "Holidays with the Heroes" day, emergency vehicles help escort Santa around to help deliver gifts to the families.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM - La Crosse  Talk Interviews

WIZM’s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin.
Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at wizmnews.com and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities. Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

WIZM&rsquo;s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin. Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">wizmnews.com</a> and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities.&nbsp;Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

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