Summerville officers surprise drivers with turkeys instead of tickets

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – It has become a Thanksgiving tradition in Summerville – officers surprising drivers with a turkey rather than issuing tickets.

While patrolling in the town this week the officers stopped drivers for small infractions like expired tags, brake light issues, or possibly speeding and handed them a frozen turkey instead of handing back a citation.

In a video shared on Summerville PD’s Facebook page, officers told drivers that the agency likes to give back to people in the community when they can.

“Instead of a ticket, what we want to give you is a turkey,” said one officer to a driver. “Will this be helpful to you this holiday season?” The driver replied, “God bless you. I wondered where I’m gonna get a turkey from.”

The initiative has been going on for several years.

“This season of gratitude, instead of issuing traffic tickets, we are surprising drivers with a free turkey to bring a little extra joy to their holiday season,” the department said.

Police remind drivers to drive carefully and responsibly while on the roads this holiday season.

**Video in the player above is courtesy of the Summerville Police Department.