Sheriff’s Office C.O.P.S. for Christmas program helps Chalmette family with presents and dinner for the holiday

Amanda and Dustin Fodness of Chalmette said things weren’t going well for their family lately, including having vehicle problems. Christmas was looking bleak for the children, Benjamin, 7, and Nola, who is 3.

But through a referral from a school, a group of St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies heard about the family’s plight and have helped to brighten the holiday.

Officers from the Corrections Division and the Communications Division, who last year formed a group they call C.O.P.S. for Christmas – standing for Caring Officers Provide Smiles for Christmas – donated money and got other help to provide the family presents and Christmas dinner.

Deputies delivered the items the night of Dec. 23.

The two children received a bicycle each and other gifts, as well as a visit from Santa Claus.

“This is so nice,’’ Amanda Fodness said of the help. “We couldn’t have had a real Christmas without it.’’

Shown gathered around the Christmas tree in the Chalmette home are, in front from left, Jodi Mowers of the Corrections Division, Seth Penton, son of Lt. Jamie Penton of the Communications Division, Amanda Fodness’ son, Benjamin, and Capt. Angela Huff and Deputy Darlene Langsford, both of Corrections.

In the middle row are Lt. Jamie Penton and her daughter, Kaya Penton. In the back, from left, are Dustin Fodness, Amanda Fodness, who is seated, Dep. Wayne Babin Jr. of Corrections who is holding Amanda Fodness’ daughter, Nola; and three others from Corrections, Santa, also known as Cpl. Louis Mowers; Cpl. Brandon Lewis and Cpl. Jeff Babin.