Pascagoula PD Pulls People Over for a Good Reason

When you’re driving and see lights and sirens pull up behind you, it usually means you’re in trouble, but Wednesday, drivers got a nice surprise, thanks to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Pascagoula Police Department.

News 25 rode along with the team as they shared holiday cheer. We all know that feeling when the blue lights flash behind you. Your heart skips a beat and you reluctantly pull over, but if you were pulled over in Pascagoula Wednesday, instead of a fine, you may have received a gift. Alisa Malone, an unsuspecting driver, says, "Thank you so much! What a wonderful gift. I can’t tell y’all thank you enough. I was scared to death, and thank you! It comes at a great time."

The Pascagoula Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3373 rode along with Pascagoula Police officers, randomly pulling over drivers to give them $50 gift cards to Walmart. Dave Pettys, House Committee Chairman of Post 33-73, says, "As I hand these out and remind them that we are veterans and that we’re still here and that we’re still giving back to the community even after we have retired from the military service or gotten out of service."

The VFW gives away 60% of its earnings every year. Wednesday, more than $2,500 in gift cards was given out to unsuspecting drivers to help with holiday expenses. The V.F.W. not only gave back to drivers Wednesday, but also to a woman, Lulu, who works at the Plaza Community Nursing Home who needed a little extra help this holiday season. Lulu says, "I want to thank the V.F.W. for all they do for everybody because a lot of children wouldn’t have nothing if it weren’t for them and I want to thank them kindly."

The timing of the gifts couldn’t be better. Across much of the nation, tensions are running high between law enforcement and the public. Lt. Doug Adams of the Pascagoula Police Department says, "I think some of these folks that the V.F.W. is here and these gentlemen want to give back even after they’re out of the military and hopefully that they’ll see that the police aren’t just here to write tickets on Christmas."

The Pascagoula Police gladly used their badges to put money in citizens’ pockets, money the veterans were delighted to provide.