A story about an armed standoff in a residential area of Petaluma spurred a great outpouring of concern and compassion for Ronald Shipley, an 88-year-old local resident with a long history of community engagement in Petaluma, most notably as the city’s longtime Santa Claus.

As reported by Argus-Courier staff writers Amelia Richardson and Don Frances, police came to Shipley’s home following reports of an armed man causing a disturbance, and say that a shot was fired during the incident. The apparently distraught man was eventually taken into custody without further incident and without anyone being hurt.

The fact that Shipley previously served as Petaluma’s Santa Claus for many holiday seasons, annually riding into the Petaluma Turning Basin on a tugboat, did incite a number of jokes, but the majority of those who posted on the Argus-Courier’s Facebook page wrote only of positive memories of Shipley’s long stint as St. Nick, their concern for his health and well-being, and their hope that he will be embraced for the positive energy he brought to Petaluma’s children for so many years. Some also criticized the Argus-Courier for reporting on the incident in the first place.

Below are just a few of the comments left on the Argus-Courier’s Facebook page.

He is 88 years old! I haven’t seen him for the last two years. He retired. But I have known Ron for two decades, and he is one of the kindest people I have met. He came to our house every year for St. Nicklaus Day for 20 years, and the warmth in his eyes, his thoughtfulness and caring made him the real deal. When he came the year my mother became very unwell, with a sudden decline, and he saw her when he walked through the door, I saw his shock. He went over and spoke gently to her. Then said, “Excuse me,” and went into the hall and cried. This story does not match the person I came to know. At 88 something can be going on for him. I do home care, and at that age, serious electrolyte imbalances can crop up. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium can cause mental issues when their levels become too high or too low. Imbalances in these critical minerals can lead to symptoms such as confusion, irritability, mood changes, anxiety, depression, agitation and even personality shifts, as they disrupt the nervous system’s ability to send signals and function properly. There is so much that can be going on here. –Sylvia

Sending good thoughts his way. None of us know where we will be if we are lucky enough to make it to 88. –Debbie

Many of us are praying that he can get help, and back to himself soon. –Kathe

Been his neighbor for 45 years. He is a wonderful man! I am heartbroken over this situation and even more heartbroken for Ron. –Alice

Ron is a caring, kind person. He deserved and loved his role of Santa. But those who know him, know that he was Santa all year long. An incident at age 88 does not negate the life of this wonderful man. –Rene

This guy spent many Christmas seasons giving my kids joy and magic. He is obviously suffering and I hope he gets the help he deserves! If I can help in any way I will. He was always an awesome Santa. –Kathryn

This breaks my heart. Without knowing the circumstances I will not judge. He was always a sweet man. Prayers to his family and there is a resolution to this really troubling situation. –Michelle

All the the press are interested in is drama & sensationalism. Ron was a wonderful community volunteer for many years, bringing joy to the community. Let’s give him some privacy and wish him well. No one got hurt and he needs help as he’s suffering. –Marie McCusker

We brought Santa into town on our tugboats every year for decades, right after Thanksgiving. He was the highlight of the year for so many. All we ever knew was that he was generous, kind and great fun. And, remember, he is 88 years old. –Barbara Lind

I think when the police is dealing with senior citizens, who could be struggling with dementia, or Alzheimer’s, should have someone in their Department that is especially trained to deal with the elderly. –Genny

This happened a few houses away from us. PPD and the Sheriff’s dept. did a wonderful job handling the situation and bringing it to a peaceful conclusion. Scary and sad...I hope he gets the help he needs. –Janeen