Firefighters Spend Christmas With Family at the Station

For firefighters across the Triangle, Christmas was another day on the job — but one seasoned with the holiday spirit.

Posted 11:57 p.m. Dec 25, 2007 — Updated 11:57 p.m. Dec 25, 2007

MORRISVILLE, N.C. — Firefighters across the Triangle spent Christmas Day cooking up turkeys at the station and going on calls, making sure that families celebrating at their homes were safe.

Morrisville firefighters said they treat Christmas as just another day on the job — but one seasoned with the holiday spirit.

Battalion Chief Glenn Clapp said he and the other nine firefighters make up an extended family at their station. This holiday, they spent hours cooking some turkey, several sides and deserts, and then they feasted, he said.

“We try to make it as homey as possible” while spending Christmas away from their immediate families, Clapp said. “This is one of the things that comes with the territory. Our families know of the duties we serve.”

Firefighter Todd Lewis said he woke up his wife and 4-year-old daughter at 4:30 a.m. to celebrate Christmas before he went into work.

"She ran down the hallway. A little delayed reaction, I think, because of the lack of sleep," Lewis said. "I don't think she was ready to be awakened. But we had a good time."

Clapp said such sacrifices are necessary and show the commitment his firefighters have.

"It's more than just an 8-to-5 job," he said. "It's something we do. It's part of who we are."

While the clock wound down on their 24-hour shift, the firefighters always had the dispatch radio nearby and were ready to drop everything – including their Christmas feast – at a moment's notice.

"We're here to do that if the call arises," Clapp said.

Christmas Day 2007 was a relatively quiet day for firefighters. The Morrisville Fire Department had one call, while Wake County firefighters hit the streets six times.

Police officers were also hitting the streets, keeping them safe on Christmas.

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