LODI, Calif. — Would Santa really perch on a garbage truck during a holiday parade over a ride on a fire rig? Yes, he would have had firefighters not put up a stink.
CBS Sacramento reported the Lodi (Calif.) Fire Department spent $30,000 to bring a 1967 engine back to life for the city’s annual light parade. The money came from small businesses and residents to help get the truck ready.
However, Waste Management dropped big bucks to put Santa atop one of its trucks. The move came after the Chamber of Commerce solicited sponsorship for the Santa ride. Waste Management was the first to respond.
The firefighters’ union said they never had to pay for Santa in the past. After a discussion with city officials, Waste Management gave Santa back to the fire department with no strings attached.
The 30-year tradition of Santa on a fire truck continues.