Clearake >> Christmas came early for 9-year-old Kayden Miranda Wednesday when Santa and elves paid him a visit at home, riding a firetruck along with a procession of police vehicles and ambulances.
Sandy Miranda said she could hear her grandson’s squeals from outside when he saw Santa touting his big bag of gifts.
“His eyes were huge it was completely amazing,” mother Dawn Miranda said. “Best gift ever, he loved it.”
Born with a debilitating syndrome that has kept him mostly homebound, Kayden Miranda hadn’t seen Santa in years.
His grandmother reached out to the South Lake County Fire Protection District in Middletown through Facebook after they held a toy drive with Santa at their station. She explained her special needs grandson had trouble leaving home, but wanted to meet and hug Santa.
The Middletown station contacted Chief Willie Sapeta of the Lake County Fire Protection District (LCFPD) in Clearlake. Within a few days Sapeta organized the visit.
“This was more than what we could’ve hoped for or expected,” Sandy Miranda said. “How cool is Clearlake doing this for a 9-year-old child?”
More than a dozen Clearlake police officers and firefighters showed up to the Adagio Apartments with Santa and his helpers.
“They totally went out of their way, with ambulances, police cars and fire truck with Santa and his bells, it was amazing,” Sandy Miranda said. It was almost everyone on duty, and knowing Kayden Miranda is interested in armed forces, one of the firefighters even dusted off his old camouflage army uniform for the special visit.
“They couldn’t even fit in my apartment,” his mom said.
Despite the cramped conditions, Sapeta said “everyone came out of there with a tear in their eye.”
Santa kneeled down while Kayden Miranda sat on the couch as he opened presents donated by the Middletown firefighters. His gifts included Legos, army men action figures, airplanes and a play cop set.
He was overwhelmed with joy and had no words, instead giving Santa “the biggest hug,” Sandy Miranda said.
“This little guy is still grinning here from ear to ear,” she noted hours after the visit.
Debby Jorgensen, of the LCFPD, said it was a great experience and was happy to have the opportunity to bring holiday cheer to a young boy.
“The fire department is the backbone of the community, and we want people to know that we are there for everything,” Sapeta said.
Whether it’s a citywide event or a personal call, they want to show the department is invested in its community.
“People need to have trust in us, confidence in us and know we are there for them,” Sapeta said.
