Rescued from the Straits by crew members from Station St. Ignace and taken aboard the station's lifeboat, Santa Claus, with a bag of toys in hand, prepares to greet Coast Guard families Saturday evening, December 12. On board the vessel with Santa are Senior Chief Paul Decker at the helm and (from left) Third Class Machinery Technician Joey Gagnon, Seaman Tyler Wyrick, and Fireman Tyler Bowne. Saves Reindeer, Too, in Time for Christmas Party

Crew members at Coast Guard Station St. Ignace were called into action Saturday evening, December 12, about 6 p.m., following a report that Santa's sleigh had gone down in the Straits. Within an hour, Santa Claus and his reindeer were rescued by a crew aboard the station's motor lifeboat. While the reindeer were delivered to nearby Mackinac Island to be stabled with the horses, Santa was brought to the St. Ignace station, to the relief and joy of the children who had gathered there with their parents for a Christmas party.

At right: Families watch out the window and over the waters of Lake Huron at the St. Ignace Coast Guard Station Saturday evening, hoping for the safe arrival of Santa Claus. With noses pressed against the glass in anticipation, soon smiles will light up faces as Santa arrives at the Coast Guard dock. Pictured are (front row, from left) R.C. Smith, 5, Oakley Smith, 3, Kristy Benson, Olivia Benson, 2, and (standing) Boatswain's Mate First Class Ben L'Allier. Decorated with bright, multi-colored lights, the station set a festive mood as families arrived for their annual pot-luck and Christmas party Saturday evening. As parents hung coats and placed food on mess hall tables and children gazed at the Christmas tree, suddenly the station's alarm sounded. Over the loudspeaker came the announcement of a marine report that Santa's sleigh was going down in the Straits. On-duty crew members were given orders to prepare for a rescue. Their strict mission was to find Santa and the reindeer.

After being rescued by crew members of Station St. Ignace, Santa visits with Coast Guard children. He gave them presents, talked with them about school, and listened to their Christmas wishes. Brennan Kaseman, 6, receives a present, while awaiting their turn with Santa are (seated, from left) Justin Tracy, 7, and Jenna Tracy, 3. Standing nearby are Alexah L'Allier, 4, and Oakley Smith, 3. During the rescue operation, periodic updates were made over the speaker system while families waited inside the mess hall for word Santa had been found. With noses pressed against the mess hall window, the children watched the waters of Lake Huron and waited. Suddenly a flare lit up the night sky and across the darkness of the water, the rescue vessel sped into view. To the delight of the waiting children, Santa could be seen standing and waving at the bow of the boat, as crew prepared to dock.

Nine-month old Annie Benson was happy while meeting Santa. She shows her joy with a glance to her father, Boatswain's Mate Tyler Benson, and mother, Kristy. On board the vessel with Santa were Senior Chief Paul Decker at the helm, Third Class Machinery Technician Joey Gagnon, Seaman Tyler Wyrick, and Fireman Tyler Bowne.

Dressed in his traditional bright red pants and coat, Santa carried with him a bag filled with gifts for the youngsters. Amid cheers and applause, with a "ho, ho, ho," Santa made his way to the Christmas tree, where he was quickly was surrounded by the children.

Each child sat on his lap and told him what they hoped to receive for Christmas. Jeremy Tracy, 9, assisted Santa, who gave each child a gift and watched as it was opened. He asked the youngsters if they had been good and if they liked school. Parents snapped photographs.

Santa gives Jeremy Tracy, 9, a gift and the two talk about Christmas and school. The St. Ignace Elementary School third grade student helped Santa hand out gifts to other children at the party. Santa told the children he appreciated being rescued. The Coast Guard Station recognized Santa for all that he does for children by presenting him with a certificate.

"We appreciate you, Santa," said Senior Chief Decker.

"Keep up the good work," said Santa to Senior Chief Decker and the crew as he left the station.

"I'm going back to the North Pole," Santa said to the children. "Merry Christmas."

Following Santa's departure, children of crew members received certificates signed by Senior Chief Decker.

"Your father's required Coast Guard work has prevented him from spending more time with you," he said. "He would have preferred to be home to help you when you needed him, but his outstanding work and support of our country was also very important to your future. Your understanding has been essential to his success."

Station St. Ignace operates with 30 crew members and in addition to search and rescue, its mission includes marine safety, homeland security, law enforcement, and aids to navigation.

All crew members were present Saturday evening for the potluck dinner, an exchange of gifts, and an auction, which raised funds for recreational events for crew members. Having the party at the station, said Senior Chief Decker, allows even those on duty to be involved.

"This brings the party to them," he said, "and it reminds everybody what Christmas is all about, I think, for the kids."

At the small station, crew members spend time together on duty, share meals, and assist each other during training. The closeness, he said, creates a Coast Guard family.

"We are a family," said Senior Chief Decker. "A lot of us can't be with our blood relatives this time of year so it is important for us to do something that reminds us of family. We are a Coast Guard family. To me, if I had a family this big and I was able to be with them, this is what I would want to do."