Elementary students from Blessed Sacrament School and the Rabbi Jacob Pressman Academy of Temple Beth Am didn't get to ride in a fire engine, but they did get to meet and have lunch with Fire Chief Millage Peaks Dec. 8 at the Los Angeles Fire Department's downtown headquarters.

The lucky eight parochial school kids, who were chosen for their creative handmade ornaments, helped the recently appointed chief decorate an eight-foot tall Christmas tree, while the Jewish students explained the tradition of Chanukah and presented the chief with a penciled-drawn Menorah.

"It's cool, it's awesome," said Gabriela Zakher about having a pizza and kosher Subway sandwich lunch with Chief Peaks. The 10-year-old fifth-grader at Blessed Sacrament made an angel ornament with a gold halo and wings from a Barbie doll.

Norman Zelada, an eighth-grader from the Catholic school in Hollywood, made two ornaments - Frosty the Snowman and a fancy drum. Still, he never expected to be chosen by his classmates to come to City Hall East. "I'm very excited about meeting the chief," he said.

Noah Lee of the Pressman Academy agreed it was a privilege to meet Los Angeles' new fire chief. "He runs everything, so it's really an honor," the fifth grade student pointed out.

Noah also thought it was a good idea for kids of different faiths to get together. "We taught them a little bit about the story of Chanukah," he reported, "and it's cool to know what other people believe and the different religions in the world."

Classmate Danielle Lewis was also enjoying the experience. "It's really fun to come here and look at the Christmas tree," she said.

The holidays happening was organized by Battalion Chief Ronnie Villanueva, commander of the department's community liaison office, and Captain Stephen Ruda of the community service unit. The children were accompanied by principal Ava Haylock and teacher Renate Lopez from Blessed Sacrament School and faculty member Samantha Witman from the Pressman Academy.

The kids also got to meet the Oregon grower who supplied the Christmas tree, Mark Rohlfs of Santa Ana Sons Christmas Trees. Every student received an early present from the Los Angeles Fire Department. Pressman Academy students brought their own presents for the department to give away to needy children.

"This is an opportunity for us to honor the community, meet with the community, share with the community," Chief Peaks, who was appointed September 11, told The Tidings. "It also gives us an opportunity to talk about fire and lights safety during the holidays. We're going to discuss Christmas trees and candle lighting for Chanukah later on. But we're here mainly to honor the children and their accomplishments."