LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Rather than riding a sleigh, first responders are getting into their units to serve their communities.
Dozens of first responders across the Hub City are spending Christmas Day on duty. As their families celebrate Christmas at home, they are responding to an influx of emergency calls
“It does seem to pick up a little bit,” Chad Curry said. “A lot of people seem to come to larger communities for Christmas, and a lot of people come home… And then, of course, a lot of travel.”
Curry serves as the Training Chief for UMC EMS. He explains emergency calls are unpredictable and often reflect the worst day of someone’s life.
“There’s usually always a cardiac arrest or somebody loses their life,” Curry said. “It kind of touches a little bit deeper than it normally does, not only for us, but for all first responders, the hospital staff, and even the military, as well.”
Lubbock Police Officer Collin Sherley says responding to calls is an intense environment and compartmentalizing is key, especially this time of year.
“It can sometimes be hard to come home and switch back to a normal family life,” Sherley said.
Curry and Sherley have nearly 50 years of experience between them. Each year, as they clock in, their families at home are feeling the impact.
“It’s just harder with me being away during the traditional holiday hours,” Officer Sherley said. “My kids have had to learn to be patient and wait to open their presents. Meals are at different times and even celebrating them on totally different days.”
The non-traditional holiday has turned generational for the Curry family.
“I hated when I was younger and my kids were small and I would have to miss part of the Christmas,” Curry said. “But, my kids understood that this was what I do. Now, I have a son that’s a nurse, and so, he’s working today as well. He’s kind of understanding what I went through for all those years.”
While there are downsides with working the holiday, Curry sees this as a chance to continue serving the people.
“You know that when you go in, you’re making a difference in somebody’s life. I mean, you do that every day, and so you’re kind of accustomed to that, but you know on Christmas you’re giving them a little extra touch. You’re giving them a little extra hope, especially for those really bad calls. You really get to bless them and touch them in a way that that hopefully blesses their life,” Curry said.
Both Sherley and Curry want to remind people to not take the time spent celebrating the holiday for granted.
“Just enjoy the time with your family because not all the kids get to spend a traditional Christmas with their parents,” Sherley said.
“Be nice and be kind to each other. So that’s just have a Merry Christmas,” Curry said.
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