Trending Topics

Va. EMT is ‘Santa on the air’ for children of first responders

In his 21st year, the Virginia Beach EMT broadcasts from the North Pole, chatting with children to bring comfort, joy and holiday cheer

By Kendall Warner
The Virginian-Pilot

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Honks and cheers were heard Friday as a longtime EMT for Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services stood on the front ramp of Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad’s home dressed as Santa Claus waving to passersby along Shore Drive.

Santa, adamant about remaining anonymous, hatched the idea about 20 years ago to help children in stressful or tragic situations around Christmas. About 3 years later in 2004, “Santa on the Air” was put into practice.

From noon Dec. 20 to noon Christmas Day, Santa can be reached by radio 24/7 to all first responders in Hampton Roads, including local military, police, firefighters, EMS and state police.

In his 21st year doing the program, Santa hops on the radio from the North Pole to talk to children, offering comfort, a distraction and a reminder of what the season is all about.

“The best part is I couldn’t do it if it weren’t for the responders out there who put the word out to Santa,” Santa said. “And fortunately they seem to trust me enough to know I’m going to do something to help the situation.”

There were only three calls during the program’s first year as Santa was available only to local EMS for three days ahead of Christmas.

“But those were actually very important calls to the three people who called them in,” Santa said. “And all three of them gave glowing reviews about what happened to the children afterwards.”

According to Santa, Mrs. Claus also enjoys being involved and is often specifically requested by youngsters. If Santa is unable to be at his radio for any reason, Mrs. Claus, who is also in the medical field, takes over — even in the middle of the night.

“Mostly it’s about just reminding them that this is the season of giving, that there is something there for them no matter what may be happening,” Santa said.

©2024 The Virginian-Pilot.
Visit pilotonline.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Trending
Dawson County Deputy Jessie Perez had served with the sheriff’s office for eight months; he also served with the O’Donnell Volunteer Fire Department and Lynn County EMS
A MetroAtlanta Ambulance paramedic has been accused of assaulting a patient during transport
A worker was trapped inside the Sandy Pond Water Tower in Yarmouth after a medical emergency
As the busiest department in the county, the Brewster Fire Department responded to 3,000 calls in 2024, with over 2,200 of them for medical emergencies