As we sat down to enjoy our Thanksgiving meals with loved ones, the first responders in St. Louis were hard at work, ensuring the safety of the community while celebrating the holiday together.
Mark Bryant from the Affton Fire Protection District shared that working on holidays and missing important family events is part of the job for first responders. To make up for being away from their families, the firefighters and EMTs from Affton and Lemay came together to create their own Thanksgiving celebration.
This year, they decided to switch things up by roasting a whole pig instead of the traditional turkey. Planning for this unconventional meal required coordination and effort, from assigning cooks to ensuring someone was always keeping an eye on the pig, even if emergency calls came in.
Despite their commitment to serving the community, the first responders made sure to take a break and enjoy their meal together. If an emergency arose and they had to leave, they would return to reheat their food in the microwave. For these dedicated individuals, the well-being of the community always comes first.
The atmosphere at the Thanksgiving celebration was filled with joy and camaraderie, providing a brief moment of respite for the crews who work long shifts away from their families. Their willingness to sacrifice their own holiday comforts for the safety of others is truly commendable.
As we reflect on the dedication of these first responders, we can also do our part to support them by practicing safe fire handling during the holiday season. By taking precautions and being mindful of fire hazards, we can help ensure that our firefighters and EMTs can enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday season as well. Let’s all show our gratitude for their service by doing our part to keep our communities safe.
