While many people spent the day resting after eating a big Thanksgiving meal, not everyone is fortunate enough to have the holiday off.
“The times we do miss with our families, usually, they do make it up either the day before or after the holiday,” said Acadian Ambulance employee Brent Hill.
First responders across Acadiana spent the day working, but Hill said employees still make time to celebrate.
“It’s a big family here and we enjoy coming to work. Acadian is a great company, along with all of the other first responders. They do an important job for the society and community,” said Hill.
Sometimes, first responders don’t see how grateful the community is. So, on days like today, little gestures go a long way.
This afternoon, Katie Lopez and her family stopped by Scott PD to surprise officers with cookies.
“I think it’s really important to make our community feel welcomed and make them feel like they actually have a place in our hearts. They do so much for us, we want to just do a little something for them,” Lopez said.
Sgt. Gary Nezat said its hard being away from family and missing the big Thanksgiving meal, but serving the community is worth it.
“If we can get out and help someone and make a positive impact on someone, it’s great,” said Nezat.
Over at the Lafayette Fire Department there was a change of lunch plans.
“We normally cook at the station, but today we are probably going to cook supper due to the turkey rolls still being frozen,” said Thomas Heidbrink.
While the turkey thawed out, the fire firefighters received a few special visitors.
“A few family members already stopped by to bring us food and one ran home to get a plate since we didn’t have lunch cooked today,” said Heidbrink.
