Santa Clause came to town

Excited children and their parents watch as Santa Clause arrives at the Kingsley Field fire station in fire truck Dec. 7, 2014. Because of construction on the main hangar, the annual children's Christmas carnival had been cancelled, but thanks to a few Kingsley members they were able to organize a smaller gathering for the young children at the fire house. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Daniel Condit / Released)

Santa Clause came to town

Kingsley Field Firefighter Brett Hulstrom chaperones a beanbag toss at the firehouse Dec. 7, 2014 at the 173rd Fighter Wing in Klamath Falls, Ore. The game was part of an alternative for the annual children’s carnival which was cancelled this year due to the main hangar renovation. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jefferson Thompson/released)

Santa Clause came to town

Published Dec. 15, 2014
By Tech. Sgt. Jefferson Thompson
173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. -- When Tech. Sgt. Paul Grabke, the Junior Enlisted Council President, learned the annual Children's Christmas Carnival was cancelled this year due to construction on the main hangar he decided to organize an alternative.

"To me it was the right thing to do, we can't necessarily do something for the older kids but for the little kids who look forward to seeing Santa, let's do something for them," Grabke said.

He visited with Skip Fuller, an assistant fire chief, who said the firefighters would love to host Santa so the Kingsley children could visit him.

Santa arrived in a bright red fire engine, every surface gleaming, and more than 100 children took photos with him.

There was a table of cookies and firefighters hosted a bean bag toss as well. After giving Santa their wish list, the kids could climb into one of the ready engines and see what it feels like to grab the oversized steering wheel under the watchful eye of a firefighter.

Grabke is very happy with the turnout and wanted to extend a thank you to everyone who helped bring it about.

"Whatever the base needs, there is always a group of people ready to roll their sleeves up and help out," he said. "It's always appreciated."