Firefighters Make Special Delivery to Morristown Medical Center

On a Christmas Eve 24 years ago, or so the story goes, a group of firefighters working in Morristown were sitting in the fire station on Speedwell Avenue missing their own families when their thoughts turned to those less fortunate. 

Morristown's bravest then went down to the Morristown Medical Center, found out how many children were admitted that night and what they wanted for Christmas. Pooling their money together, the firemen bought the children presents, wrapped them and returned to the hospital that same night to brighten the holiday. 

According to firefighter Don Leyhan, it is a tradition that continues to this day. Leyhan, who helped organize this year's event, said the on duty shift, as well as some off duty firemen went to the Morristown Medical Center with Santa in tow to deliver presents to the children that must spend their Christmas in the hospital.

“We delivered toys to approximately 17 children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and another dozen in the Emergency Room," Leyhan said. "Out of all the events we do through the course of the year, this one is the most special.”