Dinner with ‘other’ family

Sgt. Steve Burdette of the Newport Police Department said he’ll open some of his gifts with his wife and two children once he gets home from work Christmas day.

But while at work Friday, he enjoyed a hot meal with his secondary family at the Police Department that was catered by the Balboa Bay Club and paid for by the department’s police employees and the police management associations.

It’s Burdette’s second year in a row working Christmas.

Burdette was promoted two years ago to sergeant.

Although he’s been with the department for 20 years, he’s one of youngest ranked sergeants, so he still works Christmas.

“Hopefully next year, I’ll have enough seniority to spend time with my blood family,” he said.

The associations split the cost of the food to make sure officers get a nice meal while working.

Prime rib, mashed potatoes, salad and pies were served at lunch and dinner.

The Police Department had nine officers, two motor officers, two supervisors, three dispatchers, one jailer, one records and one front desk employee working during the day. Shifts were going to change later in the day, and dinner was scheduled to be served for those working late.

Officer John Mika said he asked his wife to give his two girls a nap so they are awake when he gets home to see them.

Officer Bryan Gregson said he appreciates his department’s generous gesture.

“It’s typically a slow day and to give us the opportunity to come here and have a nice holiday meal when we’re not home with our families is just nice,” he said.