For the 41st year, Verona police officers left their uniforms hanging neatly in their lockers and instead chose to put on a few funny looking costumes and make a few kids smile today.
The Verona PBA Costume Trip, was created in 1976 by (Ret.) Verona Police Capt. Fred DiStefano. Every holiday season, a bunch of officers, dressed as various cartoon figures and holiday characters, make their way to area schools and visit with children who are autistic or who have Down Syndrome.
“It has been a long standing tradition with the PBA to keep this event going. The kids love it, the teachers think it’s hilarious, and the parents appreciate what we do every year”, said Lt. Robert Shafer, who coordinates the event each year.
