LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — While many of us were at home, spending Thanksgiving with family and friends, there were still plenty of people who had to work on Thursday— including our first responders.
"Just another Thursday," John Woodward, Operations Manager at MEMS, said.
At MEMS, crews were able to stop by for a hot meal for the holiday, which is not always easy in their line of work.
"I think my favorite part about working on holidays is really the fellowship and the communion that I get to share with a lot of my coworkers," Woodward said. "We wanted to serve those in to-go containers because we're always on the move, but to be able to share that with a coworker is special as well."
Despite many crews only being able to stop by and grab their to-go box, Woodward said it was important to do so. Although it's a holiday, emergencies still happen, and crews need to be ready to respond.
"You're helping people on days that other people are not at work," he said. "They're spending time with loved ones and family and friends, but yet we're at work answering those 911 calls to make sure to protect our community."
Woodward explained that it's not an easy adjustment.
"It is a tough adjustment, especially when you're used to maybe a Monday through Friday type job," he added.
No matter if there's rain, sleet, or shine, Woodward said they'll be there.
"No matter the day of the week, no matter the holiday, we're here," he said. "If you ever think that you need an ambulance, it's dial 911 and we're there."
Despite working on a holiday, he said a hot meal with coworkers who are like a second family makes things a little bit easier.
"It's our executive director's philosophy that we never run out of food," he said. "To share a meal with an employee and sit across from them on an equal playing field, it really is special."