While many Central Floridians spent Thanksgiving gathered with food and family, first responders across the region marked the holiday on the job — answering calls, staffing patrols and keeping neighborhoods safe.At Orange County Fire Rescue, crews shared a holiday meal when time allowed, knowing a call could pull them away at any moment.”We adapt and overcome when it comes to the holidays,” Lt. Jackson Elie said. He said crews typically see an uptick in emergencies. “More people are at home, more people are cooking, so we definitely see a call increase.”Firefighters say that when they can’t be with their families, loved ones often visit the station instead.Police agencies also experience steady activity during the holidays. In Bunnell, officers increased traffic patrols and focused on safe travel throughout the holiday.”We are out on patrol or responding to calls — assisting the sheriff’s office or they are assisting us — but it will be a regular day for us,” Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon said.In St. Cloud, police and fire personnel said working Thanksgiving is simply part of the profession.”We show up to work every day, and holidays don’t affect us because we have a service to provide, and our city expects that of us,” said Andrew Sullivan, public information officer for St. Cloud police and fire.First responders also emphasized the importance of mental health support during the holiday season.”If you are feeling depressed or have some concerns, always think of 988 as a line you can call to get help,” Brannon said.From dispatch centers to firehouses to patrol cars, crews spent Thanksgiving ensuring others could enjoy theirs safely.”We have to work — it’s a 365-days-a-year, 24/7 job, and we don’t get to take a break,” Brannon said.
, Fla. —
While many Central Floridians spent Thanksgiving gathered with food and family, first responders across the region marked the holiday on the job — answering calls, staffing patrols and keeping neighborhoods safe.
At Orange County Fire Rescue, crews shared a holiday meal when time allowed, knowing a call could pull them away at any moment.
“We adapt and overcome when it comes to the holidays,” Lt. Jackson Elie said. He said crews typically see an uptick in emergencies. “More people are at home, more people are cooking, so we definitely see a call increase.”
Firefighters say that when they can’t be with their families, loved ones often visit the station instead.
Police agencies also experience steady activity during the holidays. In Bunnell, officers increased traffic patrols and focused on safe travel throughout the holiday.
“We are out on patrol or responding to calls — assisting the sheriff’s office or they are assisting us — but it will be a regular day for us,” Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon said.
In St. Cloud, police and fire personnel said working Thanksgiving is simply part of the profession.
“We show up to work every day, and holidays don’t affect us because we have a service to provide, and our city expects that of us,” said Andrew Sullivan, public information officer for St. Cloud police and fire.
First responders also emphasized the importance of mental health support during the holiday season.
“If you are feeling depressed or have some concerns, always think of 988 as a line you can call to get help,” Brannon said.
From dispatch centers to firehouses to patrol cars, crews spent Thanksgiving ensuring others could enjoy theirs safely.
“We have to work — it’s a 365-days-a-year, 24/7 job, and we don’t get to take a break,” Brannon said.