Santa teams up with Dyer Fire Department to spread community cheer

GIBSON COUNTY, Tenn. — With it being the holiday season, Santa made a special stop this week before starting his rounds for Christmas.

It’s the one that’s making the list and checking it twice — that’s right, Santa!

The big guy rode with local firefighters in downtown for a special Christmas tradition.

“We’re just trying to bring a little joy to the community,” said Chief Brandon Rudd with the Dyer Fire Department. “This is to get Santa out and about for the kids to have a little fun on the night before Christmas.”

Chief Rudd says moments like this make a difference during the holidays.

“It just kind of brings everybody out,” Chief Rudd said. “We have a lot of people that come out to the road, from young all the way to the elderly, just to see Santa, so we just try to bring a little joy to them.”

A local participant, Parker Crandall, tells us the best part of the night.

“Seeing all the little kids in the Christmas spirit,” Crandall said.

The City of Dyer Fire Department hopes this sends a message of support, community and trust in local first responders.

“We all come together as one big community,” said Crandall. “We all reach out together. Small towns like this are a great place to live.”

Crandall’s parents are both firefighters, and he reflected on what it means for him to see them save lives — not just on holidays, but everyday.

“It makes me feel great that they’re actually saving people and doing great for the community. Dyer is just a great community to live in and I’m proud to be a part of it,” Crandall said.

Families all over the neighborhood were excited that Santa made the right turn and found their house this year, from the North Pole to West Tennessee.

Participants say they look forward to moments like this, where they can feel the Christmas spirit.

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