12/06/2025
It's A Boat… It's a Train… And Yes, It's a Float
By Ruth Ann Ruiz
The Post Newspaper Features Editor
What’s new in this year’s Galveston County Christmas parades? Galveston County Sherriff’s "Polar Express" float is new and fresh out of the barns for its first parade in Texas City.
The float was built by inmates of the county jail. The inmates are referred to as trustees because they have no violent offenses and are trusted to complete tasks such as building a float under the supervision of sheriff department officials.
“It took about a week for the construction, which was done with 75% recycled materials,” said a Galveston County Sherrif's Office spokesperson.
“It’s freaking amazing," Sheriff Jimmy Fullen said. "Our inmates' craftsmanship is second to none. We are excited to roll it out."
Capable of holding up to 18 passengers, the float will be rolling along the streets of Galveston County for several upcoming Christmas parades, including in League City and Friendswood.
I was a passenger on the Galveston County Sherif Department (GCSD) “Polar Express” as it rolled down the streets of Texas City Thursday evening and I can confirm, it is freaking amazing.
Smiles broke out on the faces of adults and children as the float with its bells ringing and smokestack smoking rolled past. The smoke, produced by a fog machine rather than real smoke, was a huge hit. Nonstop, as we rolled along, people took notice of the “Polar Express” rolling in front of them, their excitement was contagious.
The GCSD deputies who were onboard feel their float is an award-winning float. I agree with them. Based on the reaction of the people lining the parade route, the GCSD float should be bringing in some awards from Galveston County Christmas parades.
Because so many of Galveston County Christmas parades fall on the same day and at the same time, the sheriff's’ office will be represented by both the newest float the "Polar Express" and a boat used by the Marine unit of the GCSD will be decked out with Christmas lights and pulled by a truck. Be on the lookout for either the boat or the train going by, and wave at the people aboard.