By Police1 Staff
DENVER — Police chief by day, the Clark Griswold of Halloween by night.
Northglenn Police Chief Jim May took up Halloween prop making as a hobby in 1999, handcrafting every prop with foam, FOX31 reported.
With a collection of over 100 horror props, May’s hobby keeps growing year after year.
“I say I make the Griswolds look like amateurs. I’m considered that ‘Halloween house’ in the neighborhood. Once you do it, you can’t stop,” May told the station. “You have to up the game, they’re expecting something different.”
He took up the hobby after the massacre at Columbine High School. May was a SWAT officer who responded to the school. After the horrors of that day affected citizens from all over the state, May decided he wanted to do something to help the teenagers in his community. The department began a safe street trick or treat event at a local high school, according to the station.
“The police department was responsible for the front entrance. We were on a shoestring budget... very little, so we couldn’t afford props so we made things,” May said.
He taught himself how to carve out the foam props and how to sew, bringing happiness to a community that was struggling.
“It’s a stress reliever for me, seeing the things officers go through, this is one of those outlets... I really enjoy it. I truly do. That’s what it’s about. Kids and families.”