Christmas is almost done for another year. But while some along the Grand Strand feasted on a tasty Christmas meal and opened presents, our local law enforcement and firefighters were on duty.
News 13 caught up with some of them to find out what's it like to work on a holiday while most people are at home with their families.
“There’s never a holiday for us, although we celebrate it like everybody else but it doesn't mean things don't stop just because it's Christmas or Thanksgiving or Easter," said traffic supervisor, Jim Allen with the Myrtle beach Police Department.
Allen said law enforcement across the state, respond to the call of duty, 365 days a year.
“It’s necessary for us to be out there,” he said, "We unfortunately still have crime during those days people don't quit doing what they unfortunately do just because it's a holiday----we do see an increase with the criminal domestics during this time of the year."
Allen said he had been riding around through some of the neighborhoods Friday and was greeted by residents whom he said appreciated knowing he was patrolling the area.
He said even in the pouring rain, many of them came out of their homes and shook his hand.
Over at the Myrtle Beach fire station No. 4, a Christmas tree and stockings were the only visible sign of the holidays.
Lt. Jason Kochan said that just like the local police, his work along with the other firefighters, never stops.
"Just because it's a holiday, that does not mean particularly that there will not be any ill people or worse case scenario any fires or automobiles accident, it's just another day," he said.
So what do the local firefighters and police officers do beside their duties on this special holiday?
Allen and Kochan said they aslo have families who have learned to adjust to the long hours and demands of their jobs.
"While we are here they will come out and eat dinner with us just like we were at home, I mean this is our home while we are away from home," said Kochan of the fire station.
"Earlier today one of the guys out of the kindness of his hear made all of us lunch...which it took him a long time to do because he did two pans of baked ziti which was just fabulous," Allen said.
“During the holidays we take it a step further and we spend a little more time closer with one another," he said.
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