Submitted
On the morning of Nov. 10, community members, city leaders, and Hays Police Department officers gathered outside the new police facility to dedicate a blue Christmas light display, a gift from fifteen private donors who wanted the department to know the community stands behind it this holiday season and long after the decorations come down.
The display wraps the building's perimeter in signature blue lights and centers on a blue bow roughly 6.6 feet wide and 7.3 feet tall, with ribbon stretching across a 62-foot span. St. Nick's, a local holiday lighting company, installed the display, and together the lights and bow make the new Hays Police Department building one of the most recognizable sights in downtown Hays this Christmas.
An idea rooted in gratitude
The gesture carries added meaning for a department that continues to remember Sergeant Scott Heimann, a nine-year veteran of the Hays Police Department who was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 28, 2025. Organizers wanted the officers and staff who serve Hays to feel the community's appreciation, especially as the holidays arrive.
Organizer Sarah Cearley-Windholz of Simply Charmed welcomed guests and described the morning as a warm start to the season. "This is a really great way to kick off the holiday season and our ongoing initiative to light up downtown," she said. "We wanted a lasting reminder for the Hays Police Department that we appreciate you, we stand behind you, and we are grateful for your dedication and service to this community, not just during Christmas, but all year long."
She also spoke directly to the officers and staff in attendance. "While we're celebrating with our families, you're continuing to work to keep our community safe, and for that, we thank you."
Voices from the dedication
Vice Mayor Alaina Cunningham said the gift carries meaning beyond its decorations. "To me, this gift represents much more than lights and a Christmas bow," she said. "It represents the generosity of our community, the appreciation we have for those who serve us, and the strong relationship between our citizens, our city, and our police department."
Speaking on behalf of the City of Hays, Cunningham addressed the department directly. "May these blue lights serve as a reminder that our community appreciates you, your service is valued, and we are proud of the men and women who represent our community each and every day." She added, "May these lights shine as brightly as the appreciation, love, and support for the men and women in blue."
Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said the project grew well beyond what he first imagined. "When we first started talking about putting Christmas lights on the police department, we were excited about that, but it came with much more than that," he said. "It became an expression of our community's support for us."
The chief said that support reaches the people who wear the uniform. "The men and women who come to work every day and serve and protect this community, they feel the support of this community, and it means the world to us." He thanked the donors and the organizers for their leadership and hard work, and he offered a wish for the season. "As these blue lights shine through the holiday season, may they serve as a reminder of the sacrifices and the dedication of law enforcement officers and their families, and of the strength of the Hays community standing together in support of those who protect and serve."
See the lights by Clydesdale wagon
The free Clydesdale wagon rides at this season's Clydesdale and Santa Nights will be rerouted to bring passengers past the new Hays Police Department building so they can see the new decor after dark. The nights run on Fridays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Union Pacific Park, 110 E. 10th St., near the Pavilion, and the wagon line starts at East 10th and Main streets. Rides depend on weather and animal temperament, and any changes will be posted on The Bricks' Facebook page.
Thank you to the donors
Simply Charmed, Mike and Sandi Maier, Joseph and Jodi Boeckner, Bobb Meckenstock, Werth Heating Plumbing & AC, PWC, Inc., Jamie and Brianna Day, Meier Electric, Inc., Northwestern Printers, Inc., Dustin and Laney Roths, Platinum Group, Regeena's Flowers & Events, Ryan and Brianne Sultzer, Alan and Jackie Leiker, and Couture for Men made the display possible.
Cearley-Windholz also thanked St. Nick's for bringing the vision to life. "On behalf of everyone who contributed to this project, we're proud to dedicate this display to the Hays Police Department," she said.