It’s an annual tradition that the department spends all year saving up for.
LEALMAN, Fla. — A fire truck arriving on your street with sirens blaring might not normally be a sight you want to see.
But the call the Lealman Fire Department responded to on Christmas Eve brought a new meaning to a timely response.
Before making his way around the world overnight, Santa Claus — joined by the department’s firefighters — paid a visit to a few dozen homes in Lealman, a community neighboring St. Pete.
The firefighters and Santa arrived on a fire engine with bikes, dollhouses and toys for over 3,000 children throughout the community. The department’s firefighters spent the past year putting aside funds from their own paychecks, so they could participate in this annual tradition. They also received donations from retailers and businesses.
“We’re delivering presents to all the kids in all the housing areas, the apartment complexes, mobile home parks, places like that,” said Division Chief Jim Millican. “They see Santa Claus. They’re super excited. Puts a tear in your eye.”
In addition to gifts, the department is bringing Christmas dinner to 1,000 families and a full Christmas, which includes dinner and toys, to 85 families.
Families that received gifts were brought to tears as well, saying Christmas wouldn’t be the same without these firefighters’ generosity.
“I’ve been really rough on work and everything else, and it’s been really hard. They wouldn’t really have much of a Christmas if it wasn’t for them,” parent Ashley Burch said. “It means everything to me. They love seeing Santa.”
It may not have come in the bright red sleigh they were expecting, but Wednesday’s call was proof that Santa doesn’t always need reindeer to deliver Christmas joy.