Santa is helping first responders by talking to scared kids over the radio at emergency scenes
Dec 23, 2024
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — This is a busy time of year for Santa, but he is trying to help everyone during the holiday season.
This is the 21st year of Santa on the Air, where Santa can provide comfort to children during on-scene emergency calls.
In his classic red suit and matching hat, Santa is available to all first responders across Hampton Roads.
“If a first responder finds a child on the scene of a call and the child is frightened or scared, is concerned about a family member, or even what's happening to themselves, the first responder can get the child on the radio with Santa Claus, and Santa will talk to him,” said Santa Claus.
Through his portable radio from North Pole 1, Santa can tell them that everything will be OK — even if their Christmas might look a little different this year.
“It helps children get through any kind of trauma or difficulty that's going on, and that they can rely on the first responders who are there to help them as much as they possibly can to give them a better spirit of the holiday season, and about what Christmas is really about,” Santa said.
Mr. Claus showed 10 On Your Side how it works while speaking to a young boy named Connor.
“I know you're kind of concerned about what's going on," Santa said. "There's a lot of lights and a lot of commotion and everything, but I have sent you some of the very, very best rescue squads, people who are going to take very good care of you today. Are you planning anything special for Christmas?”
For more than two decades, Santa has been helping frightened kids during emergencies.
“Santa can always give them an opportunity to realize, 'Hey, Christmas is still there,'" Santa said. "Maybe it's a little different this year; maybe something new is happening. But they will be remembered at Christmas.”