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Santa Claus, who happens to be a close friend of firefighter paramedic Andrew Malzer, stands ready to begin his journey Saturday to deliver candy to the children of Eagle Mountain while riding on a fire truck. Photo by Jason Pyles

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Eagle Mountain resident Greg Riggs waits Saturday with his children, Lexie (left) and Landon, to see Santa Claus pass by them on a fire truck. Photo by Jason Pyles

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On the back of Santa Claus’s usual chariot there’s a bumper sticker that reads “My other sleigh’s a fire truck.”

It’s true — Jolly Old St. Nick could be seen throughout the city last week, riding atop a fire truck and throwing bags of candy to neighborhood children, who came out of their homes in response to hearing the flashing sirens.

Captain Kevin McCarthy speculated that Santa probably opts to use the fire trucks instead of his sleigh because the sirens make much more noise, which helps alert the children to his arrival.

“Plus, the reindeer are resting up for Christmas Eve,” McCarthy said.

Kris Kringle said the reason for riding a shiny fire truck was simple, “I just enjoy the fire trucks.”

Santa’s special, pre-Christmas appearance in Eagle Mountain is an annual event that has become a popular tradition in the community, said Eagle Mountain spokeswoman Linda Peterson.

“It began five years ago at the suggestion of our fire chief,” Peterson said. “He grew up in Draper, and it was something Draper city did when he was a kid.”

Santa Claus, who is an honorary member of the Eagle Mountain Fire Department, rode around the city for several hours, delivering his treats with the assistance of the firefighters.

Eagle Mountain resident Greg Riggs waited for Santa with his kids, Landon and Lexie, as well as a couple of neighbor children.

“We’ve sat out here and watched for Santa every year,” Riggs said. “We never miss it.”

Along with anticipating the candy, Landon Riggs said for Christmas this year he’s asking Santa for a Bigfoot remote-controlled truck, and his sister, Lexie Riggs, said she wanted a Blizzard-maker.

“This is our fifth year watching for Santa, but it’s our first time standing outside because it’s usually too cold and snowy,” said resident Martha Valdivia, who was waiting with her daughter. “They throw candy, which is nice, but the kids really just want to see Santa.”

While discussing who’s been naughty and nice this year at the Eagle Mountain Fire Department, firefighter Scott Bringhurst joked, “Almost everyone has been good, but the captains have been on probation with Santa.”