Phoenix-area firefighters bring Santa to kids at local hospital on Christmas

PHOENIX — On Christmas Day, children all across the Valley scurry down the stairs to see what presents Santa left for them underneath the tree.

For children admitted to Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, they do not get to have that experience. But thanks to the Glendale Fire Department, Santa was able to squeeze in one last stop and visit the kids before returning to the North Pole.

In a Facebook post, Glendale Fire Department wrote that Santa made his usual stop to visit the kids, take pictures with them and give them presents, at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center before jetting off to the North Pole on Christmas Day.

But getting Santa to make an extra stop does not come easy. The fire department had to make him a little promise to come visit the children.

This past summer, Santa was vacationing in Glendale to purchase some antiques and collectibles for Mrs. Claus when he was invited to lunch by Glendale Fire Chief Terry Garrison, according to the Facebook post.

“As they were talking, Santa mentioned that ever since he was a little elf, he dreamed of being a firefighter like so many children, but since he was destined to become Santa Claus, that dream was never to happen,” the Facebook post read.

“Chief Garrison immediately said that he could make Santa an Honorary Glendale Firefighter, as long as he promised to come back and visit. Of course, Santa agreed and was immediately sworn in,” it read.

Thanks to the Glendale Fire Department, some very special kids were able to get a very special Christmas – and Santa was able to fulfill his lifelong dream.

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