KIIC Radio’s Unique Tribute to Local First Responders: Blue Christmas
Mahaska County Sheriff Russ Van Renterghem (left) and Mahaska County Emergency Management Coordinator Josh Stevens take their turn at Blue Christmas. (photo submitted)
In a gesture of appreciation and community engagement, KIIC radio, under the leadership of Joe Milledge, has been pioneering a unique tradition known as “Blue Christmas” for the past eight years. This annual event is not just a tribute to local first responders but also a creative platform where officers swap their police radios for the FM airwaves, showcasing their musical tastes and broadcasting skills to the delight of listeners.
Reflecting on the inception of Blue Christmas, Joe Milledge, the owner of KIIC radio, said, “The idea for Blue Christmas came to us about 8 years ago when we felt the national narrative towards law enforcement was unfairly non-positive – and yet at the local level, our law enforcement love the people and the communities they serve. They are true servants.” This insightful observation led to the creation of an event that honors these community heroes in a unique and engaging manner.
During Blue Christmas, first responders are given complete control over the radio station. “We ask them to run the whole show – from picking their favorite Christmas music to running the controls – we step completely back,” Milledge explained. The event is marked by a refreshing candidness, with listeners told to expect everything from dead air to overlapping tracks and accidentally live microphones.
The musical choices on Blue Christmas range widely, from Rod Stewart to the Crash Test Dummies, reflecting the diverse tastes of the participating responders. Milledge shared a heartwarming anecdote about Oskaloosa Police Chief Boeke, highlighting the personal connections fostered through this event. “Chief Boeke has family and friends in Illinois who tune into the show from back home in Illinois and it’s a great way for him to send a live Christmas card to his loved ones,” he said.
Blue Christmas is not limited to police officers alone. Milledge noted that “departments from Mahaska, Monroe, Appanoose, and Wapello take shifts for the day. In some cases, police dispatchers, jailers, and Emergency Management also joined in.” This inclusive approach allows various facets of law enforcement to engage with the community in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
The event offers a much-needed break from the demanding routines of these public servants. “We’re glad to provide them something different from the craziness of their normal routines – all while being able to communicate with their constituents,” Milledge stated, highlighting the dual benefit of Blue Christmas as both a community engagement tool and a stress reliever for first responders.
For those interested in experiencing Blue Christmas, Milledge recommends visiting www.albia.tv, where segments of the event are available for viewing. This resource offers an opportunity to delve deeper into the unique contributions of the participating officers.
