Police Share with Family Who Lost Home in Fire

When Santa Claus came through his front door, four-year-old Ryan Wilson ducked around a corner and smiled, hiding from Santa's view.

But Ryan warmed up to him while Santa and his helpers brought in presents to put under and around his family's Christmas tree, and came out to give Santa a hug.

For instant news, events and and updates, follow Pikesville Patch on Twitter and Like our Facebook page.

The special visit Wednesday night was the work of the Pikesville Police & Community Relations Council, and Santa's helpers were members of the council and officers of Baltimore County Police Department's Pikesville precinct.

Each year, the council, including police officers, raises money and donations to participate in the council's Adopt-a-Family program.

Officer J.J. Posluszny Jr., the police liaison to the council, coordinated this year's effort.

Through the program, the council chooses a family in need, and brings holiday gifts to members of that family.

The Wilsons—a mother, father and two children who this autumn lost their Randallstown home to a fire—were the council's adopted family this year.

Rodney and Joann Wilson have two sons: Ryan, and Ray, who is 7 months old.

Since the fire in early November, they have resided with Rodney's mother, Vanessa, in Pikesville, near Winands Elementary School.

"This is a really special opportunity for us as police officers to come (to someone's home) in a positive light," Sgt. Vicki Warehime said.

The effort, including fundraising to buy the gifts, was spearheaded by Officer J.J. Posluszny, Jr., the precinct's liaison to the PCRC, Warehime said.

The group brought more than $1,100 in gifts to the Wilsons' home in Pikesville.

Donations were provided by Target, members of the PCRC, officers of the precinct as well as their family members, Pikesville High School, and the Pikesville Chamber of Commerce.

Posluszny said he chose this particular family from among a list of families, because he had also lost his home and belongings in a fire.

He wanted to bring some comfort to the Wilsons, he said.

PCRC President Jerry D'Antoni, a Pikesville resident for more than 55 years, said he was moved by the visit he and others made.

"It was truly heartwarming to see that child's face light up when Santa poked his head in the door. ... Doing things like this is why I get so involved with the PCRC," he said.

D'Antoni said he leads the council to help make Pikesville a better community so residents can enjoy it as he has for so many years.

The PCRC meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at .

Posluszny and D'Antoni encourage each community and community group to send a representative to the meetings, and to bring a friend as well. Snacks and softdrinks are provided.

The .