Bradenton police officer restores couple's holiday cheer, replaces stolen Christmas lights with Santa
BRADENTON -- The Kuskoskis were devastated when they discovered their Christmas lights -- a laser light projector that allows the elderly couple to easily display their holiday spirit -- had been stolen.
They called the Bradenton Police Department to report the theft Friday and officer Matthew Caradimos came to their home.
John Kuskoski's physical disabilities prevent him from being able to climb a ladder, so the star shower laser lights -- using one lamp to shower the home and landscape with laser lights -- has been ideal.
The star shower laser light is expensive, howveer, and in high demand. The Kuskoskis had little hope they would get it back, but Caradimos patiently took a report on the theft.
On Saturday morning, when Jeannette Kuskoski went outside to do yard work, she found an "amazing little gift" from Caradimos -- an inflatable Santa in a box with a card.
"Hope this will bring you some holiday cheer," Caradimos had written.
And it did.
"It was just a small thing, but it meant so much to me," she said. "I had tears from happiness."
He was trying to cheer us up, John added.
They had been so distraught when they called to report the theft. John Kuskoski said he really wanted to know if they had been the only ones to be victimized, given outdoor holiday lights are easily taken.
They were comforted, however, by Caradimos' kind and gentle demeanor, they said, and how he took the time to chat with them as he made the report. Caradimos and John Kuskoski even discovered they have something in common -- a love for the Boston Red Sox.
Later, Jeannette Kuskoski put pen to paper to express gratitude in a note to Bradenton police Chief Michael Radzilowski.
Originally from Poland and a Holocaust survivor, Kuskoski's native language is not English, but she wanted to make sure Caradimos' kindness was recognized.
"This made us very happy, it brought tears to my eyes," she wrote. "His kindness and thoughtfulness meant so much to us. Thank you for having such fine men as your officers."
Radzilowski responded to the note by thanking the couple for writing to him regarding "Caradimos' caring and thoughtful attitude."
"It is always a pleasure to receive letters of appreciation," Radzilowski wrote in his letter. "We are extremely proud of our employees here at the Bradenton Police Department and it gives me a great sense of pride when they are recognized for a job well done."
In closing, Jeannette signed her letter from her and her husband, then added a note to share their restored holiday spirit: "Merry Christmas! Let there be peace in the world."
Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter@JDeLeon1012.
This story was originally published December 23, 2015 at 7:21 PM with the headline "Bradenton police officer restores couple's holiday cheer, replaces stolen Christmas lights with Santa ."