Float Festivities Kick Off at Robinson Helicopter Company on Airport Drive Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 4 p.m.
After a six-year hiatus from its full route, the Torrance Police Officers Association (TPOA), in conjunction with the Torrance Police Foundation (TPF) and Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), a major local employer for more than 50 years, announces a long-term collaborative solution to ensure the TPOA Santa Float returns to all of the city’s residential streets this year and continues for years to come.
Due to Covid and staffing challenges in 2020, the Santa Float schedule was limited to 10 nights at major points of interest, including the Beach Parking Lot at Torrance Beach, City Hall, and several major park locations. With strategic planning and financial support from Robinson Helicopter and TPF, the float is poised for a major comeback this holiday season. This multi-year commitment from Robinson Helicopter, in conjunction with TPF, provides the necessary resources to not only restore and operate the float for the current holiday season, but also establishes a framework for its sustained presence in Torrance’s future holiday celebrations.
“As someone who has lived and worked in Torrance for more than a decade, I know what the holiday season and this float mean to the people and the families of this city,” said Robyn Eagles, VP of global marketing and communications at Robinson Helicopter Company. “Through Robinson’s community engagement programs and our work with the TPOA and TPF, it is an honor to support the return of such a seasonal staple to our community.”
The first night of Santa's 26-night tour through the residential streets of Torrance will commence at the Robinson Helicopter Company campus on Sunday, November 30, at 4 p.m. Santa will make a memorable arrival in his other sleigh—a Red, Robinson R66 helicopter. Residents are invited to attend the kickoff event to witness Santa’s airborne arrival, meet with Torrance police officers, and mark the beginning of the 2025 holiday season festivities. Robinson Helicopter will also have toy helicopters available and R66 beanies for adults.
Marc Sandoval, president of the TPOA, shared that the event holds deep meaning for the Police Officers’ Association. “For more than 30 years, the Torrance Police Officers’ Association Santa Float has brought smiles and excitement to families across Torrance. The idea was first conceived by a group of dedicated police officers who wanted to share the joy of the season with the children and families they were proud to serve. What began as a simple sketch on the back of a napkin soon became a reality through the hard work and dedication of the entire Police Officers’ Association and its members. We’re proud to see the float return to the neighborhoods where this tradition was born — and where the true spirit of the season and our beloved community continue to shine.”
“This effort truly reflects what makes Torrance special — partnership, pride, and community spirit,” Sandoval adds. “With the help of the TPOA Board of Directors, Chief Bob Dunn, City Manager Aram Chaparyan, the Torrance Police Foundation, and Robinson Helicopter Company, we’re honored to see this treasured tradition once again lighting up our neighborhoods.”
The float made its Torrance debut in 1992. The Christmas float evolved over the four decades it was in operation, successfully visiting every single residential street in Torrance from Thanksgiving through to Christmas, delivering holiday cheer to the community. Additional support will be provided by Van Lingen Towing, which will provide the truck and personnel to tow the float during its tour though the city.
“The TPF's goal is to find ways to not only support our local officers and ensure their safety but find ways to ensure we are all working together to support the fabric of our community 365 days a year, but especially at this holiday season,” shared Rob Van Lingen, president of the TPF and owner of Van Lingen Towing. “Our combined efforts with Robinson Helicopter Company provide the necessary operational structure to guarantee this tradition endures.”
The float is scheduled to run for 26 nights throughout December. Maps and dates for the float route can be found online at: https://torrancepoa.com/santa-float-maps-tpoa
About Robinson Helicopter Company
For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, impact-resistant windshields, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient manned and unmanned helicopters in the industry. For additional information, visit www.robinsonheli.com
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