Santa Claus visits with children at Pittston Fire Dept.

PITTSTON – Santa Claus arrived in grand style on a Pittston City fire truck to the fire station to visit with children on Dec. 15.

It’s getting down to crunch time for St. Nick as he is only days away from delivering toys to millions of children all over the globe, but he did take time out of his busy schedule to visit and listen to last-minute Christmas list wishes from the children of Greater Pittston.

“I have much to do in the next few days, but I wanted to visit the children of Pittston before Christmas,” Santa said. “I love seeing the children at Pittston City’s firehouse each year and I enjoy my trip on the fire engine.”

Santa arrived just as a few dozen children gathered to see him, making sure he got to hear what is on their Christmas lists. He handed out a large stocking of candy, as well as a candy cane, to each visitor

Braden Scott, 8, and his 5-year-old brother Sean were dressed in Christmas festive attire for their visit with Santa.

“I was looking forward to seeing Santa today,” Braden said. “I asked him for a hover board and I can’t wait for all the presents,” reporting he is is looking forward to riding the hover board on Christmas Day.

Krystal McCoy, of Pittston, brought along her four children to the firehouse to visit with Santa for the first time.

“This is my first time here and the kids loved Santa.” McCoy said. “They were wanting to see Santa since 7:00 this morning.”

Her son Xavier, 6, asked Santa for a mini dirt bike. “It’s a real one and I’m going to drive it on the sidewalk.”

Jimmy Rooney, Pittston City fire chief, was happy with the large turnout to see Santa, who has been visiting the firehouse for many years — a tradition believed to have started by the late Joe Keating back in the 1980s.

To prepare for the children, 100 stockings were purchased by the fire dept.

“We get 100 stockings and I don’t want to be short,” Rooney said. “The remainder left over, we bring them to St. John the Evangelist Care and Concern Ministry, which really appreciates the donation.”

When Santa Claus finished with the last child, he was off to his next visit before returning to the North Pole to prepare for Christmas Eve.

Just before Santa arrived at the Pittston City firehouse, 2-year-old Santo Scarantino had a chance to check out the fire truck.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_Pittston-Fire-Santa-Visit-1.jpgJust before Santa arrived at the Pittston City firehouse, 2-year-old Santo Scarantino had a chance to check out the fire truck. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Eight-year-old Sienna Shannon, left, holds 1-year-old Russell Rosencrans atop a fire truck bumper before their visit with Santa Claus.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_Pittston-Fire-Santa-Visit-2.jpgEight-year-old Sienna Shannon, left, holds 1-year-old Russell Rosencrans atop a fire truck bumper before their visit with Santa Claus. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Children anxiously wait at Pittston City’s fire hall for Santa’s arrival on a fire truck (in reflection) on Dec. 15.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_Pittston-Fire-Santa-Visit-3.jpgChildren anxiously wait at Pittston City’s fire hall for Santa’s arrival on a fire truck (in reflection) on Dec. 15. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Visiting with Santa are, from left, Sean Scott, 5; Amelia DeGerolamo, 6; Braden Scott, 8, in their festive clothing.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_Pittston-Fire-Santa-Visit-5.jpgVisiting with Santa are, from left, Sean Scott, 5; Amelia DeGerolamo, 6; Braden Scott, 8, in their festive clothing. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch