Wayland Police surprises drivers with turkeys rather than tickets

WAYLAND, Mich. — The Wayland Police Department surprised people by handing out turkeys instead of tickets.
The department handed out about 20 turkeys on Tuesday. They handed them out at homes of those they knew were in need of kindness.
They also pulled over drivers and surprised them.
“It’s an awesome relationship that we have [with the citizens,” said Chief Mark Garnsey. “It’s a time to draw the community together.”
In total, the department handed out about 20 turkeys and other groceries to create a full meal.
“It’s definitely a big surprise,” said Lola Morgan, one of the drivers they pulled over. “I never ever had this happen before.”
They also stopped by the home of Melanie Lapeer-Brann, who was surprised by a turkey. She was a police officer in Battle Creek. Her husband, a detective at the Battle Creek Police Department, was killed in the line of duty in 2005. She was also diagnosed with MS, so the department wanted to extend a act of kindness toward her.
“It’s great. It’s really unexpected,” said Lapeer-Brann. “I had no idea. It’s wonderful to be acknowledged.”
All the groceries were donated by the Hardings Grocery Store or the citizens of Wayland.