Santa Claus makes annual run on fire truck through Mentor-on-the-Lake

William Tilton, The News-Herald, Willoughby, Ohio
·2 min read

Dec. 16—Santa Claus turned in his sleigh and reindeer for a Mentor-on-the-Lake Fire Department engine as the jolly, white-bearded man rolled through the city as part of the annual event on the "Santa Run" on Dec. 10.

Mayor David Eva said it is always a special day.

"As an annual event, once the calendar switches to December, many residents ask about the date of the 'Santa Run,' " Eva said. "Our fire department and their families participate every year. Our residents appreciate this and are grateful for this along with the daily service provided by our firefighter/paramedics."

"We have residents of all ages who look forward to this event every year," Eva added. "It's nice to see our community service is appreciated and see the happiness it brings to our community."

Mentor-on-the-Lake Fire Chief James Pechatsko shared several messages of support for the event he received from residents on Facebook:

"You guys are awesome!"

"Thank You ALL for helping brighten my day today. Thank You for giving of your free time to do this for all of us in the city. I look forward to seeing Santa on the firetruck every year. Thank you for all you do and have done and continue to do. Love you all."

"These firefighters are greatest people for doing this for the kids.. THANK YOU SOOO MUCH... You made my kids so happy back then and they STILL remember.. Stay safe and God Bless YOU ALL!!!!"

"I remember the fire truck coming round on a Saturday in December and a guy playing Santa throwing us candy.1970 and 80s."

Jolly old St. Nick rode on the top of a Mentor-on-the-Lake Fire Department engine traveling through the streets of the city, stopping for children who came out of their homes to have a look. While Santa Claus waved from the fire engine, his "elves" handed out candy canes to boys and girls around the city.

Usually, the arrival of Santa Claus is accompanied by jingling bells or Christmas carols. However, for this special event, Mentor-on-the-Lake residents were alerted of his presence by the sound of roaring sirens from the fire engine and an accompanying ambulance that followed.

Those sounds and the sight of Santa Claus on top of the engine have been a fixture in the city for at least 50 years, according to Pechatsko.