DSS Joins 27th Annual Kringle Detail, Strengthening Community Partnerships Through Holiday Cheer

Each December, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) joins local law enforcement partners across Northern Virginia for a tradition that blends community service, police partnership, and a healthy dose of holiday magic. Now in its 27th year, the Kringle Detail – an initiative started by former DSS Special Agents in Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #35 – continues its long-standing tradition of protecting one of the most important VIPs of the holiday season and bringing joy to the local community. 

This year, Santa’s sleigh consisted of a DSS armored vehicle escorted by members of the Arlington, Vienna, and Falls Church Police and Sheriff’s Departments, retired and current DSS special agents, and even a retired officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). 

Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves visited residents at several senior living communities around Northern Virginia before ending the day with a magical celebration alongside Easterseals families back at the Lodge.

For Retired DSS Special Agent John Hampson, one of the Kringle Detail’s original founders, the mission has always been simple: community first.

“The goal is for the children and for the community—nothing else,” Hampson said. “We get so much more out of it than just driving around on a Saturday. We build relationships with local police, we learn how one another works, and it’s a great all-around event.”

Hampson, who helped shape the tradition with DSS colleagues nearly three decades ago, noted how meaningful it has been to watch Easterseals families grow alongside the event.

The Kringle Detail’s longevity also reflects deep partnerships across the law enforcement community. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Domestic Operations Julia Sweeney emphasized the significance of these relationships:

“It’s a real pleasure to be out here with our colleagues across the law enforcement community. We have members of the Arlington and Falls Church Sheriff’s Offices, the Arlington and Vienna Police Departments, the RCMP, and our DSS agents all working together to ensure Santa is safe and able to deliver gifts to the families we serve.”

For many agents, the Kringle Detail offers a rare chance to apply DSS protection skills in a domestic, community-focused context. Special Agents Anthony Anastasia and Courtney Cessena, both participating for the first time, shared how meaningful that experience has been.

“It’s a tremendous partnership with local law enforcement, and it’s rewarding to see all the happy kids. You can’t ask for anything more,” Special Agent Cessena said.

Special Agent Anastasia added that the Kringle Detail offers a unique operational value:

“It’s definitely a training opportunity—working with local law enforcement on motorcade operations, and meeting partners we can reconnect with later to train.”

The day’s final stop, the Easterseals celebration, captured the heart of the event. Easterseals, founded in 1919, has provided life-changing services for children and adults with disabilities for more than a century, strengthening communities through inclusion, health care, and family support. This mission resonates deeply with Kringle Detail volunteers, who say the joy on the children’s faces is why they return each year.

One young attendee, Abbey, summed up the spirit perfectly:

“I’m so excited to see Santa! He’s my best friend!”

For Hampson, that joy, and the collaboration behind it, is what keeps the tradition alive.

“To have local, federal, and even international partners like the RCMP here…what else can you ask for? It’s all about community service and taking care of each other.”

Santa and the rest of the VIPs safely arrived home, and as agents returned to their vehicles, an overwhelming sense of gratitude was shared amongst all participants – for the partnerships, for the training, and for the chance to bring light to families during the holiday season.