November 7, 2018
Murphy Fire Rescue to give Santa ride across town
MUPRHY (November 7, 2018) Santa Claus might be forgiven if he doesn’t remember where every resident of Murphy lives. After all, he only comes to Murphy once a year.
That’s why the helpful “elves” at Murphy Fire Rescue volunteer to take him around town well before Christmas Eve. Strapping him to the top of one of the fire trucks and driving through every neighborhood guarantees that he will not miss any of Murphy’s boys and girls who have been preparing for his visit all year, according to Fire Chief Del Albright.
Starting on Dec. 3 and continuing for about 15 days, Santa will ride atop a Murphy fire engine with lights ablaze, the bell ringing, and accompanied by an occasional blast from the siren. The rides will cover every street in Murphy with the exception of short cul-de-sacs, and start promptly at 6:30 p.m. each evening, continuing until 8:30 p.m.
“We’ll take the jolly old elf around every evening, except Sundays. He’ll be safely strapped to the engine, so he won’t be able to disembark and interact with anyone. In fact, in order to complete the entire City within the 15 days, the engine will not be able to stop for any length of time,” said the Chief.
Each neighborhood and subdivision will be included in the schedule. However, should there be rain or a real-life emergency, the schedule for a particular neighborhood or subdivision may be altered.
An interactive map, with live tracking will be posted on www.murphytx.org, giving residents an approximate time and date of Santa’s drive-by visit in each neighborhood.
“Because Santa can’t get off the engine, firefighters, members of their families, and perhaps even some Council members will be distributing wrapped candy by tossing it from the back of the fire engine. Because of that, we ask that parents accompany small children and keep an eye on them as Santa makes his way through the neighborhood,” added the Chief.
The one evening that Santa will not ride through the City is Dec. 6. That evening, the City puts on Christmas in the Park at City Hall, and Santa will be assisting the Mayor in lighting the official community Christmas tree.
“Other than on the evening of Christmas in the Park, we will take Santa throughout the City, ensuring that he is familiar with each neighborhood,” said the Chief. “We have to make sure that he doesn’t miss any homes on Christmas Eve.”