Santa Ditches Sleigh, Arrives in Town on a Fire Truck

It was a brisk morning, but Santa didn't mind as he boarded the Liberty Corner and Basking Ridge firetrucks to deliver presents Saturday morning.

Santa's deliveries were a fundraiser for both all-volunteer fire companies as well a chance to conjure up some holiday magic for local kids, both little and not-so-little.

Even those who didn't order a gift got to see a glimpse of Santa riding through town along with some "elves" in firefighting suits.

For the organization is critical to completing Santa's route. First Asst. Chief Peter Aprahamian has been mapping out Santa's deliveries for more than ten years and runs a tight ship. "Each of the routes has to be coordinated with the appropriate bags of presents and we have to be sure we don't cross paths," said Aprahamian.

This year, Liberty Corner and Santa were planning to have more 100 stops to make between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. "We always have to hope we don't get a significant call while we are out with Santa," Aprahamian added.

Many neighborhoods have been getting together for years for the Santa visit and all come together to greet him when Santa arrives.

In Basking Ridge, Santa was assisted by elves Bob Fullagar, Nick Cianciara, James Sumka, Brian Fullagar and Greg Heiner while making the deliveries.