TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - While many people are celebrating Christmas at home, others have to work on the holiday.
That includes first responders.
On Christmas Day, WTXL spoke with members of the Tallahassee police and fire departments.
They told us working on Christmas is just part of the job, and they adjust their plans at home when it's their turn.
The departments said public safety never takes a vacation.
They said they celebrate the holiday in their own ways, so Christmas is always a part of the workday.
Engineer Sarah Cooksey is the social media liaison with the Tallahassee Fire Department.
"You know, we spend a third of our lives in the fire stations anyway," she said. "So, when you think about that - I mean, that's a third of your life you're away from your family. So we try to be inclusive, and this is kind of our family away from home."
Officer Robert Grasso is a 24-year veteran of the Tallahassee Police Department.
"Not everybody can have the day off, obviously - as we're 24/7, just like fire and EMS and hospital," he said. "So it was a little bittersweet. I got to see my kids this morning, but they're waiting for me when I get back."
Both departments said it's an honor to serve the community every day of the year.
