Thank You Once Again, Winthrop Fire Dept.

We have many wonderful traditions in our community throughout the year, but one of the most memorable events, year-in and year-out, is Santa’s ride through every corner of our tiny community on Christmas Eve atop a Winthrop fire truck.

As always, it seemed that the entire town turned out for Santa’s visit. Scores of children (and adults!) at every street corner anxiously awaited Santa’s arrival and then screamed with peals of delight when the jolly fellow with a white beard in the red and white suit made his appearance on their street.

It is a wonderful tradition that, by our count, has been in existence in its current form since 1959, a span of more than six decades that has made Christmas so special for generations of Winthrop residents and children. Among the first organizers of Santa’s ride atop a fire truck was a future Winthrop Fire Chief, Charles Flanagan, whose sons followed in his footsteps at the Winthrop F.D., including Paul, who served as chief for many years, and Chuck, who often played the role of Santa.

We know we join with all of our fellow residents in offering our thanks to Chief Scott Wiley and all of the members of the Winthrop F.D. who helped to continue this great Winthrop tradition.