POUGHKEEPSIE – Poughkeepsie firefighters, members of IAFF Local 596, continued their work agreement with Santa Claus on Christmas Eve day. After several firefighters wrapped gifts on Monday night, they decided to help Santa in Poughkeepsie by delivering toys to 11 families in the city on Tuesday.
On Tuesday morning, Poughkeepsie Fire Department’s Rescue 1 arrived at the North Clover Street firehouse to pick up boxes of toys and off-duty personnel to make Santa’s deliveries.
Lieutenant Brad Valentine followed the rescue rig in a fire department utility truck with Santa Claus in the passenger seat and additional helpers in the backseat. Mayor Rob Rolison was on hand for the departure and called it “Another great day in the City of Poughkeepsie.” Rolison called the members of the fire department “a dedicated group of men that go above and beyond to help the city and today they get to help Santa Claus – that’s the way the firefighters are.”
Lieutenant Paul Bucher drove the rescue truck to the predetermined addresses and the crews immediately went to work carrying in boxes of toys while Santa interacted with the smiling children. Bucher thanked the school district for helping to determine what families were in need of assistance to make Christmas a reality for their children. “The school district staff helped us tremendously by establishing the list. After that, our firefighters went to work to make it a reality.”
Santa Claus said, “It’s my busy day and I wouldn’t be able to help these families out without the assistance of the Poughkeepsie firefighters and their donors. The guys really help get things done. They’re all on the ‘nice’ list.”
At one stop, a family with seven children was quick to express their gratitude. “There was no way we could have given the kids the Christmas they deserve without the help of the Poughkeepsie firefighters. Thank you and God bless you all,” said the teary-eyed mother.
After delivering at another stop, Santa was approached on the street by a child on the sidewalk. “Hey Santa,” shouted the young boy. Santa stopped to talk with the child while a firefighter grabbed a toy out of the truck so Santa could present it. “The look on that child’s face is exactly why we do this,” said Bucher. The fire department served 11 families and delivered toys for approximately 44 children on Tuesday.
