First Responders don't take off the Holiday - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

First Responders don't take off the Holiday

By: Christine Souders

csouders@cbs4qc.com

Just because it's Christmas, doesn't mean emergencies take a holiday. 

Many fire fighters, police officers, and paramedics took time away from their families at home to work the holiday.  They said it's part of the job, but the truth is, they're saving lives. 

"We're out here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because we hope it helps," said Tom Wiley, Hampton Police Sergeant.

When tragedy strikes, Quad City Area rescue crews risk their lives, even on Christmas to help others.

"We do this as part of giving back to the community,"said Jim Homann, Port Byron Captain.

"Everybody in the neighborhood just came running when I needed them," said Fire Chief Don Carey, of the Rapids City Fire Department.

Carey says his heart sank when he got the call about a house fire Christmas day, but he said without hesitation, emergency crews got there.

"I'm sure our families miss us but that's what we signed up to this so that's what we will do," said Jake Smith, a Volunteer Firefighter.

Paramedic Keene Hart says he's working a 26 hour shift.  He even got to work an hour before his shift to relieve one of his co-workers, "I came in early so he could go home and spend Christmas morning with his kids."

And every emergency responder we talked to say the sacrifice is worth it when you know you're helping others.

"This is just something I've chosen to do and I'm hoping I'm making an impact," said Chief Carey.

When we asked the emergency responders how they felt about being apart from their families this Christmas, they told said they 'are' spending time with their family, their extended work family.