Firefighters spent the holiday answering routine calls in between forkfuls of food
TRENTON -- The turkey was in the oven, the pies were baked and the Lions-Eagles game was on.
It was a scene that played out in homes across the country, but for those working the Thanksgiving Day shift at Trenton Fire Headquarters, the alarm could sound at any moment -- and their entire meal could be put on hold.
"Usually around dinner time, things will pick up around here," Capt. Kevin Rice said.
"If we get lucky," piped in Bob Ford, "we'll get to eat our meal."
Across the city, 46 firefighters spent the holiday answering routine calls in between forkfuls of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes.
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Home cooking is a normal occurrence at the firehouse, but the holidays are special.
"Most guys seem to look forward to it," Rice said. "Just because we're not with our immediate families, it doesn't mean we're not all family here. ... We like to have a nice meal when we can squeeze it in if we're not too busy for the day."
Everyone pitches in to help prepare the feast, but if the others don't think much of something, they let it be known.
"We're our own toughest critics. You can put a gourmet meal down on the table and the guys will still tear it apart," Rice said. "If it's not a good meal, you'll hear about for years to come. If it is a good meal, you'll hardly hear a peep."
The firefighters, who work 24-hour shifts followed by 72 hours off, started at 7 a.m.
North Ward Councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson dropped off a turkey in the morning, and it was devoured by lunchtime.
"I don't even think any turkey hit a plate," one firefighter said with a laugh. "That was finger food."
The kitchens were also busy in the double houses on Calhoun and South Broad streets that have both engines and ladders, but in the single houses, the crews either brown-bagged it or had family swing by with a plate.
The luck of the draw also has "D" Platoon working Christmas Eve and New Year's Day, but they know it comes with the job -- and some are able to trade shifts.
"It's something you know going into it," Rice said. "There's a good chance you're going to eventually get caught up working holidays ... but we try to make it our home away from home here."
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.