CHRISTMAS
ON DUTY how to make the holidays brighter for those who serve BY CHELLE CORDERO
F
ISTOCKPHOTO/DANIELBENDJY
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Holiday Gift Guide
or most hardworking Americans, the holidays are a time to spend with family and friends. However, for many first responders, police officers, emergency medical personnel, firefighters and military members—on call 365 days a year, 24 hours a day—the holidays often mean working. There is no reason for on-call personnel to miss out on the festivities. Here are a few ways to still celebrate: If visitors are permitted, party at the work site; be sure to verify with administrators in advance. One ambulance corps hosted an “impromptu” party organized by family members of the duty crews; trays of hot food were brought in by the families and they all spent the evening together. Not all locations allow visitors, or are physically close enough to families, but having holiday meals delivered to the crew at the station is a way to make their day a little more special. Holiday fruit baskets and baked goods are a welcome treat and something everyone can do even if they don’t have a personal connect to the station. Unfortunately, nowadays not every place is receptive to homemade goods if the giftgiver is not known; a store-purchased tray of cookies is a good alternate. Break rooms at local hospitals are another great area to leave a gift. Some diners and local eateries stay open over the Christmas holiday to offer dinner or brunch to on-call first responders at discounted rates or sometimes even free. The waitstaff and cooks usually volunteer for the shift, knowing that their efforts are appreciated. One firehouse, known for its great cooking, took a poll before last Christmas to find out how many firefighters and emergency medical service personnel would be working the holiday at surrounding stations. They then prepared and delivered enough holiday meals for all those on duty. If you are having a holiday party, think about extending the invitation as an “open door” to duty crews in your neighborhood. Let them know they are welcome to stop in for food and nonalcoholic refreshments. Don’t try to pin these emergency responders down to time or commitment; they never know when they will be called out on the road. Having to-go containers ready may come in handy when call tones suddenly go off. Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2013