Lisa writes:
Two firetrucks just came down our road—and I was freaking out since that means there is a fire, an injury or something that means bad news. Turns out it was one truck followed by second carrying Santa Clause! I can tell you that my 9 year old will never get over it. In a cynical day and age, I can tell you that I probably won’t either. Thanks so much to the people that came up with this idea and the people that pulled it off. Merry Christmas!
Police announced this afternoon that their investigation into what was initially believed to be a fatal fire on Rugby Avenue is now a homicide investigation. #
The Virginia Supreme Court has denied George Huguely’s appeal. His second-degree murder conviction will stand, WRIC reports. #
In a carefully worded story, and not citing specific sources, WTVR reports that forensic evidence belonging to Jesse Matthew Jr., the main suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham, matches forensic evidence collected during the investigation of Morgan Harrington’s 2009 murder. #
In the wake of Hannah Graham’s disappearance, and the evidence that came from private security footage, city officials are revisiting the question of installing security cameras on the downtown mall. #
Both Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander have turned themselves in to the police on four six and four felony counts of embezzlement, respectively. #
Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health budget doubled and schools like the University of Virginia built massive new research facilities. A decade later, those buildings remain largely underutilized. NPR visits UVA in this story on the effect of federal binge and spurge spending in the sciences. #
In 2012, Council approved a new student housing complex on West Main—now some council members are questioning whether what they were shown matches what was built. #
The Architectural Review Board has approved a bike-themed mural on West Market, below the McGuffey Art Center, although at least one member expressed concerns that it might look like the bicyclists were riding away from Charlottesville’s downtown. #
City Police Chief Tim Longo is meeting with city leaders to work on protocols regarding the use of military surplus police weapons in Charlottesville. #
A 100-year-old Colonnades resident received military honors for her service in the WWII Women’s Army Corps #
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There was a firetruck Santa on Saturday night in my friend’s neighborhood near Albemarle High School, where my two kids happened to be spending the evening. They were SO excited when we picked them up later that evening, especially my three year old. Apparently they handed out some chocolates and asked the kids if they had been good this year! Very cute, and much nicer than going to see the mall Santa!
The traveling fire truck duo came through the Woodbrook subdivision about 7:15 p.m. Santa was riding in the “cherry picker” bucket which was positioned over the cab of the second truck. There were very bright lights on Santa and his helper which made them appear almost like they were floating through the darkness.
Both trucks were sounding their sirens in a low key kind of way — a sound different from when there is a real emergency. Seeing a massive fire truck up close is by itself pretty neat. Watching Santa float by made it even more interesting.
Thanks for commenting. I found a few kids today that were really excited about their Santa experience. I am happy to hear that he was all over the place and even happier that there haven’t been any snide comments. :)
Merry Christmas!
The “Santa Run” is an annual event run by the Seminole Trail Volunteer Fire Dept. that was organized by Battalion Chief Mike Rose 3 years ago. Seminole Trail VFD is very happy that our friends and neighbors enjoyed the event.