GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. -- Santa bus has been a holiday tradition in Grain Valley for decades. Chuck Johnston, the man behind Grain Valley's Santa bus tradition, says police escorts will look different this year after he recently got word that the city wouldn't allow Volunteers in Police Service to use a city car and other marked safety equipment. “Seeing as I start this Saturday, I think it is very short notice. It's very inconsiderate of the city,” Johnston said. “It’s not for me. It's for the protection of the kids.” For nearly 30 years, Johnston has been driving the festive Santa bus around Grain Valley neighborhoods for families to enjoy. View the latest Weather Alerts in the Kansas City region on FOX4 “I drive around the town of Grain Valley and get out and give stuffed toys and candy to all the kids. We try to stop at every house, kids. It's been a great tradition. The people in town love it,” Johnston explained. When the tradition started, Johnston says the police chief decided police escorts were necessary for safety. Safety escorts have evolved over the years but remain an important part of the Santa bus tradition. Johnston says in the last 10 years, Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) have helped with the safety escorts while using a city car and other marked safety equipment. “For some reason, this year, they decided to quit letting the VIPS go recognized as part of the city to escort the bus. It risks the potential safety of the kids,” Johnston said. “Yesterday, one of the VIPS that always helps me came out and told me he was told that he couldn't use a city car and couldn't wear any insignia identifying them with the city,” Johnston explained. FOX4 contacted the City of Grain Valley about this situation, and they sent the following statement. “The City supports community traditions like the Santa bus, but if City resources are requested, a special events permit must be submitted through the online application process. This is the standard procedure for all events, including the community parade, Grain Valley Fair, Downtown Spooktacular, and others, to ensure proper planning, coordination, and safety.” “I just want them to keep doing what they've been doing for the past 20 years. I’m not asking for anything special from them. I'm not asking for big donations or anything of that nature. I just want their help to make sure the kids are safe,” Johnston said. December live music calendar: Kansas City’s biggest shows of the month After hearing the news, Johnston said dozens of people have volunteered to help with safety escorts this year. “I probably had 50 people say they would volunteer to escort to donate or whatever they can do,” Johnston said. “And I appreciate their offers so much.” Still, Johnston is frustrated with the lack of communication. Saturday will mark the first Santa bus drive of the season.