Two Saturdays ago, my family heard the distinct sound of sirens and air horns resonating down the block. The steady sirens and the continuous horns (and the fact that it was Dec. 22) meant only one thing - Santa was on his way (Farmingdale Fire Department Style!). My kids and those of my neighbors sprang up and ran outside to the sidewalk to make sure they caught a glimpse of the man in red and his helpers spreading the Christmas cheer. As they vanished down Prospect and went on their jolly way; I thought back to my own childhood; I could not help but think how amazing it is, that at any age, the sight of Santa on the fire truck still can create excitement and cheer. Later that same day, while visiting a friend in South Farmingdale, I once again heard the very distinct commotion coming down the block. I watched as the doors swung open and the children came running to the curb side to great Santa and his helpers. Later, while driving down Conklin Street toward Airport Plaza, I was stopped as the East Farmingdale Fire Department convoy weaved up and down the side streets. I thought to my self how fortunate we are to not only have our own department but surrounding departments that have such dedicated men and woman who take the time from their holiday shopping and preparation to help spread the holiday cheer. I want to thank them all for truly making our community a nicer place to live. I want to also personally thank the members of the Farmingdale Fire Department for contributing so much to our Village: rescue calls, fires, car accidents, parades, open houses, and of course Santa at Christmas. They spend countless hours of training and leave at all hours of the day and night to protect and assist us. They are a vital part of what makes our Village such a great place to live. We sometimes forget how fortunate we are to have these volunteers. Our neighboring departments to the east and south are excellent, but I certainly feel a little safer knowing that we can call our own Village Fire Department in an emergency. Reminder: the Village of Farmingdale has its own dispatchers, in case of a fire or medical emergencies within the Village - please dial: 249-0070. The residents and members of the Farmingdale Fire Department can rest assured that as mayor I will continue to make sure that our Fire Department always has our own dispatchers, the proper equipment and support that they need to continue to properly protect us. Once again, thanks for everything you do and for the extra Christmas Cheer.