COLUMBIA, S.C. — Essential workers in law enforcement, medical services, and fire response often don't get holidays off; instead, they dedicate their time to keeping the public safe.
"Being a first responder, it's what we like. We're here. Sometimes we have to miss holidays with our families," Jacob Mertz, a lieutenant at Camden Fire, said.
Even on Thanksgiving, when many are unwinding, people like Harrison Wells at the Kershaw County Sheriff's Department view the day differently.
"Just another day," Wells said.
As the radio crackles with calls and sirens punctuate the air, these dedicated individuals continue to respond to the community's needs.
Despite the demands of their roles, they find time to bond and share a meal, turning their duty into a shared experience.
"As a shift, we're a family, so we're going to do Thanksgiving here on shift today. We're doing some traditional Thanksgiving stuff—ham, turkey," Mertz said.
"The sheriff's office is actually taking care of lunch for us down at a local restaurant here, and we also have many community members drop by and donate turkeys," Wells said. "One of our recently retired deputies was there on the grill yesterday with a couple of our turkeys."
While they may be away from their loved ones, these dedicated individuals find purpose and fulfillment in their service.
"Being there for the people, helping the people, seeing how people make an impact on them," Mertz said.
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"It sounds corny, but you get to go out here, help people out, you get to see that you actually make a difference in your community," Wells added.
The Kershaw County Sheriff's Office and Camden Fire Department extended gratitude to people in the community who have dropped off and delivered meals, recognizing the shared spirit of Thanksgiving.
It was a showing of appreciation from those who spent their Thanksgiving ensuring the safety and well-being of the communities they serve.