ALTOONA, Iowa — 365 days a year, the men and women of the Altoona Fire Department are ready to take the call for help.
That includes the days that many are spending away from the office and with their loved ones. But for these first responders, it's all a part of the job.
"It doesn't matter if it's a holiday, a weekend, weekday, whatever it is, stuff happens," Altoona Fire Department medic Chris Monley said. "You got to have people there to help out."
It's that sense of purpose keeping their spirits bright this holiday season.
"If something does happen, we try to make them feel comfortable with it," Fire Medic Kyle Mason said. "It's a unique time of year to be to be working and helping people."
Over in Johnston and Grimes, Capt. Nic Hutchinson and his department are also embracing the role they play in keeping their community safe.
"While we're missing time with our family, it's nice to be able to give back to the community, Hutchinson told Local 5. "We know that it's an important service and that somebody has to do it."
As they wait for the next call, these fire families come together to celebrate, sharing a holiday meal and bonding over their love for service.
"We're like a family here. So you know, we might be away from our families at home, but we are with our fire department family," Hutchinson said.
Both stations have felt appreciation from their communities this holiday season, receiving gifts from local businesses. But Hutchinson says it's a simple thank you that means the most to first responders, as another year of service comes to a close.
"The biggest thing that you can do for your communities, just say thanks," he added. "So anybody that's working, putting in time and effort to keep the community safe, just to thank you is more than enough for us."