LUGOFF, S.C. — While many took time off to celebrate Thanksgiving, first responders in Lugoff spent the holiday ready to answer the call.
At the Lugoff Fire Department, four firefighters balanced their duties with finding moments to celebrate together, demonstrating the sacrifices that come with their profession.
“We do have to leave our families behind, but in terms of being here on a holiday, we continue to have that passion to help our fellow community members," said Lieutenant Chris Hinson.
The team spent Thanksgiving checking their equipment, training, and preparing for emergencies. Hinson described the station as a community.
"This is our family away from our family, so it's truly a brotherhood," he said.
For rookie firefighter Ty Bouscal, this Thanksgiving marked his first away from home, but he embraced the experience.
“The reality is we’re very lucky to do it, so being her eon the Holiday's it is a plus for us we can help out people in their worst situations and times and during a holiday who wouldn't want to do that," Bouscal says.
Although the firefighters weren’t home, their families brought the holiday to them, sharing a meal that made the station feel a little more like Thanksgiving.
“We got some ham, mac and cheese,” Hinson said with a smile.
Despite the challenges of working on a holiday, Hinson said the job is rewarding.
“A lot of times, of course, when we’re called, it’s the worst days of their lives, and we’re there to try and make it just a little bit better,” Hinson said.
The firefighters said they’re thankful for the support and gratitude they receive from the community every day. For them, making sacrifices to ensure others' safety is just part of the job.
