SACRAMENTO, Calif. — It's Thanksgiving and for first responders that means working around the clock to keep people safe. They may not be able to spend it with their families. But for them, they say it's worth it.
On Thursday, ABC10 caught up with the Sacramento Metro Fire District and Sacramento Fire Department to hear how they still make it a special day.
Just because it's a holiday doesn't mean the calls for first responders are put on pause.
"The emergencies don't stop. And with that, there's a lot of cooking fires that happen on Thanksgiving due to everyone coming together, maybe not cleaning out their oven well enough. Next thing you know you have a fire. So we need to be around to serve the public," said Captain Justin Sylvia with the Sacramento Fire Department.
And there's no limit to their service.
The day also holds special meaning for the Sacramento Fire Department and the Sacramento Metro Fire District.
"Working on Thanksgiving signifies a couple of things. It's important because Thanksgiving is all about the family. And most firefighters have two families — our immediate family and our fire family — so we commit to protecting the public. That's 24/7, 365," said Chief Adam House with Metro Fire Station 32.
House actually volunteered to fill in for a fellow fireman on military leave.
"This was two-fold cause I have a military background also. So, it resonated with me that this firefighter is on a military deployment. But also, it prevented another firefighter from being mandatory today who has younger children and is missing that opportunity," said House.
The day is one for giving thanks and setting the example that good prevails when you're serving your community.
"It speaks volumes as to the type of support that our fire chief has for all the guys on the line. It means a lot to everybody here. Everybody's been talking about it. It's a really cool thing," said Capt. Eric Alekman with Metro Fire Station 32.
Fire crews are enjoying their day by making their own unique meals at the station and families may even stop by to spend some time with them.
"The emergencies don't stop and we don't stop either. So, it's very important to have that sense of family in the firehouse, celebrate Thanksgiving. But also serve the public," said Sylvia. "This job is worth every second."
First responders say it makes the day easier knowing they're able to work alongside their work families.
Their priority is to allow families to celebrate the holiday season knowing they're there to protect the public.
