Thanksgiving often a slow day for Cape firefighters

While his friends and family indulged in turkey, football and family bonding on Thanksgiving, Cape Girardeau firefighter Greg Foote could be found at Fire Station No. 1 examining fire engines or studying department policy.

Thanksgiving was just another day for Foote. As he would during a normal shift, he studied for an exam that, if passed, will allow him to to become an official Cape Girardeau firefighter. Foote used Thursday to study how the district functions and look at the vehicles he uses in preparation for the Dec. 1 test.

Although focused on his studies during his shift, Foote and the nearly 20 other Cape Girardeau firefighters who were on duty Thursday were ready to save lives should a fiery Turkey Day debacle occur.

"If I wasn't here, I think I'd be in a turkey coma on my couch with my son," Foote said.

Thanksgiving is normally a slow day for the department, battalion chief Mark Starnes said. More fires occur on Christmas than Thanksgiving, Starnes said, noting that his crew did respond to a fire caused by someone cooking a turkey last year. By 5:30 p.m. Thursday, the department had received three medical emergency calls.

The department normally receives 12 calls a day.

"Most people are home and not traveling today. They don't want to go to the hospital," Starnes said. "It's a day that allows me to get caught up on paperwork and the younger guys to study for their upcoming exam."

A Thanksgiving meal donated by the Salvation Army is enjoyed by firefighters on duty at Fire Station No. 1 in Cape Girardeau on Thursday.

While the firefighters were unable to feast with their families, they did not go hungry. Every year, the Salvation Army donates a Thanksgiving meal to on-duty responders.

Firefighters from the department's four stations converged on the training room to eat ham, turkey, fried chicken, green beans, stuffing and an assortment of pies while watching football and socializing.

"Today's not too bad because we have like a sports brotherhood," Foote said.

Foote and other firefighters planned to visit their families once their shift ends at 7 a.m. today.

Firefighter Joel Schmit's mother, brother and niece drove 12 hours from Minnesota to visit Schmit for Thanksgiving. Thursday marked Schmit's second Thanksgiving at the department. Schmit said he was excited to see his family, especially because he is not sure when he will return to Minnesota.

"It's tough because we're expected to work every holiday," he said. "I don't have any children yet, so it's a little easier for me."

Capt. Vicki Moldenhauer said firefighters sacrifice valuable time with family for public safety. Firefighters work roughly 56 hours a week, mostly in long shifts, Moldenhauer said.

"There's a lot that we miss that we can't get back," said Moldenhauer, who has been a first responder for 20 years.

Working Thanksgiving is more palatable than working Christmas or during a child's birthday, Starnes said. Starnes said his wife has a teenage daughter who's involved in several activities he often misses because he is on duty.

"You can't make them all," Starnes said, adding that he once worked five Christmases in a row.

The camaraderie between firefighters who work holidays helps ease being away from family, Schmit said. The food and good nature of the firefighters helps Schmit, especially when his home is 12 hours away.

"It's fun when all the firefighters are together like this," he said.

When residents have an emergency-free Thanksgiving, firefighters are able to enjoy their holiday a little more, Starnes said.

"If you're having a good Thanksgiving, we are too," Starnes said with a laugh.

psullivan@semissourian.com

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