Operation Santa is returning to Cos Cob this December, bringing a familiar mix of sirens, holiday lights, and doorstep cheer. The Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol, Inc., a volunteer emergency response organization, announced the return of its annual holiday program, offering families the chance to receive home visits from Santa and The Grinch aboard a Patrol fire truck.
The program, a longstanding community tradition, allows families to schedule a personalized visit in exchange for a $300 donation supporting the Patrol’s yearround work. Visits will take place on December 13, 14, 20, and 21, with additional arrangements available for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Operation Santa is designed to give families a direct and festive experience with the holiday season. After securing a reservation online, participants drop off pre-wrapped gifts at the Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol headquarters at 200 East Putnam Avenue. On the selected day, Santa and The Grinch arrive at the family’s home with gifts in hand and holiday music playing from the fire truck. The program has become a favored event for children and adults who enjoy seeing emergency vehicles decked out in seasonal lights.
The Fire Police Patrol, which has been active in the community for decades, operates entirely with volunteers and relies on donations to support its mission. Funds raised through Operation Santa contribute to emergency response capabilities, equipment needs, and training. The organization assists local departments in fire suppression support, traffic operations, crowd control, and salvage work, often responding to incidents in severe weather and complex conditions.
In recent years, the Patrol has noted increased demand for Operation Santa visits, reflecting the growth of the program and the enthusiasm of families who book year after year. The personalized nature of the visits, which follow a pre-coordinated schedule, has made it one of the season’s most anticipated local offerings.
According to organizers, the program also provides an opportunity for volunteers to engage with residents in a celebratory setting rather than during an emergency call.
The Patrol encourages families to reserve early, as available dates typically fill quickly. Gift drop-off instructions and scheduling confirmations are provided upon registration. While the primary visit dates span two weekends in December, the organization’s willingness to accommodate special requests on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day underscores its commitment to community service.
Operation Santa remains one of the Fire Police Patrol’s most visible fundraising efforts, reinforcing the connection between first responders and residents. The program highlights the group’s broader role in town: supporting safety operations, responding to crises, and offering specialized assistance when called upon by the Greenwich Fire Department and other agencies.
Families interested in participating or learning more about the Patrol’s work can visit the organization’s website at https://ccfpp.org for details on reservations, programming, and volunteer opportunities.
