|
 |
| For Ciera Wilson of the
Glynn County Fire Department, Christmas includes a tree in the fire station
on Community Road. (James Nix/The Brunswick News) |
Firefighters finding own types
of holiday cheer
In the hustle and bustle of the
holiday season, it is easy to forget those who are unable to spend much time
with family and friends.
But they are there just the same.
They are people like the men and women of the Glynn County Fire Department, who
are quick to agree that balancing work and family is not always easy, especially
at this time of the year.
For Capt. Neal Mann, a newlywed in
the department's emergency medical division, the art of juggling a demanding job
with family is still a learning experience.
"My wife is still getting adjusted,"
said the 10-year fire department veteran. "She's not quite used to the long
hours and me getting called during the night."
For rookie firefighter Ciera Wilson,
just finding personal time to relax or do last-minute Christmas shopping can be
almost as arduous as fighting flames.
"It takes a lot of scheduling to get
things done," said the 22-year-old firefighter.
But not every Christmas is a workday.
Like so many others, firefighters take turns taking the holiday off.
That's why this year will be special
to fire department Lt. Elizabeth Poppell, who worked the holiday in 2004. This
year, the mother of three small children – ranging in age from 15 months to 6
years old – will be off Christmas Day.
"This year, I plan to spend time
around the house with my kids and probably go to a Christmas party," she said.
Those on duty are not forgotten. To
keep firefighters from feeling isolated from family and friends during the
holidays, the department brings Christmas to them.
Every year, the Glynn County Fire
Department hosts a dinner at each of the county's fire stations. Family members
of on-duty firefighters are invited to have dinner with their working loved
ones.
"Although it's not quite like home,
we put up a Christmas tree and lights to get in the holiday spirit," said
Wilson. "The firefighter family is tight-knit."
The administrative division of the
department sponsors the dinner, said inspector Amos Robison.
Robison, who plans to spend Christmas
with his new wife, is a 13-year veteran of the Glynn County Fire Department and
says he and his wife of three months have an understanding relationship.
"She understands the details and that
makes it easier," said Robison.
|
