CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Amid children’s Christmas songs and cheering supporters, a father came home for Christmas last week in Carmichael.

St John the Evangelist Catholic School was the scene of Reservist Major Patrick McCoy’s reunion with his daughters, after a two-year deployment in Saudi Arabia. In preparation, staff ushered hundreds of students to the school frontage and got them singing while they awaited “a special visitor.”  Santa Claus was rumored to be on his way, but student sisters Maddy and Olivia McCoy twigged to the VIP’s identity when police vehicles arrived, lights flashing.

“I saw Citrus Heights Police motorcycles leading police cars,” said Maddy (14). “I just knew it was my dad.” (Major McCoy is a 20-year law enforcement veteran, serving CHPD as a motorcycle officer.) Maddy considers his dedication to service and leadership an inspiration. “My whole life, I’ve looked up to my dad,” she explained.

As their 6ft 5in hero stepped from a CHPD squad car, the sisters screamed and rushed for hard, tearful hugs. Their mom, Kelly, soon joined the huddle. Citrus Heights and Folsom City cops held back tears. Crowds waved flags and cheered the emotional reunion. The soldier/cop appeared shell-shocked. He had asked his wife for no fanfare. “Lo and behold,” he laughed as crowds engulfed the schoolyard. “This sure took me by surprise.”

It wasn’t just any welcome home. As a law enforcement family, the McCoys have been sorely challenged. Patrick (47) deployed with the US Army Reserves in 2020 but the pandemic delayed his return. Wife Sergeant Kelly McCoy (45) is employed by Suisun Police Department. Their oldest son, Kolton Carter, served the US Navy as a bomb technician.

Family friend Felicia Haecker – a veteran and university Professor – helped organize the reunion. “Patrick deserved a hero’s welcome,” she explained. “His family has endured so much.”

In January, Sergeant Kelly attended a DUI accident on Hwy 12. Her squad car was struck by a speeding vehicle, and she suffered leg and back injuries. After several surgeries, she is yet unable to return to work. “I’m so grateful for St John’s School parents,” she said. “They volunteered to pick up my kids and take them on school outings. They went out of their way to make sure my daughters didn’t miss out on anything while I was working and recovering from my car accident.”

The family was hit even harder when eldest son Kolton died in service this summer.

Officer Patrick McCoy thanked fellow police officers and St John’s School for supporting his wife and daughters through their difficulties.  Soon to resume CHPD duties, he plans to devote much-needed attention to his family. “It’s important for me to be here,” he explained. “The healing process will begin now.”