While many Gainesville residents are gathering with loved ones for the holiday season, local firefighters are making sure they can do so safely, working Christmas and Christmas Eve. But most firefighters I spoke to said they're a family, too...
So on Christmas Eve, they cooked a big breakfast, ate it together and then went out to control some fires. At the end of the day, they say it's all about working with friends.
"It is a little different," Paramedic John Dowling says, "you're used to being at home but it couldn't be easier if you had to be away with the group of people that are here."
Keith Saunders added, "it's Christmastime, and so we draw a lot of strength and peace knowing that if you need us, we're here."
Firefighters work 24 hour shifts, but then have a few days off., so those who work the holidays will get a chance to spend time with their other families.