Fire Department provides Santa with familiarity ride
Jolly old elf does not want to miss any neighborhoods on Christmas Eve
MURPHY (November 15, 2023) It was a call that Fire Chief Del Albright had been expecting. Around this time every year, an extra-long distance call comes into his office all the way from the North Pole, asking for assistance in ensuring that a certain Christmas Eve visitor is up to date on Murphy streets and neighborhoods.
“We are, of course, thrilled to accommodate Santa Claus on his yearly trip to Murphy,” said the Chief. “He wants to make sure that he is completely familiar with the places he hasn’t visited around town and remind himself of those places that he’s already aware of. We’re happy to provide the vehicle.”
Starting on Friday, Dec. 8 and continuing for about 15 days, Santa Claus will ride atop a Murphy fire engine with lights ablaze, the bell ringing and accompanied by an occasional blast from the siren. The Santa rides will cover every street in Murphy with the exception of short cul-de-sacs. Santa will board the fire engine promptly at 6:30 p.m. each evening, and continue his route until 8:30 p.m.
“We’ll take Santa aboard the fire truck every evening, except Sundays. He’ll be safely strapped to the vehicle, so he won’t be able to disembark and interact with anyone. In fact, in order to complete the entire City within the allotted 15 days, the engine will not be able to stop for any length of time,” said the Chief.
Each Murphy neighborhood and subdivision will be included in the schedule. However, should there be significant rain or a real-life emergency, the schedule for any affected neighborhood or subdivision may be altered. An interactive map, with live tracking will be posted on https://www.murphytx.org/480/Santas-Ride.
As an added treat, Santa and his assistants will be tossing wrapped candy from the fire truck as it winds its way along the streets. “For everyone’s safety,” added the Chief, “the jolly old elf is asking that parents accompany small children and keep an eye on them as he makes his way through the various neighborhoods.”
The entire department is once again very excited about the special visitor from the North Pole and each member of the Fire Department is anxious to take him around Murphy, making sure that he does not miss any streets on Christmas Eve.