While families across North Texas celebrated Christmas at home, the crew at Dallas Fire Station 27 stayed on duty, turning their station into a makeshift holiday kitchen and a second family gathering.
Duty on Christmas Day
The station remained fully staffed on Christmas Day, with firefighters working long shifts and responding to calls as usual. Driver engineer Francisco Amaro, who has been with the department for more than a decade, reflected on the day: “I just love being a firefighter, just spending time with my second family here,” Amaro said.
The Second Family
For many crew members, the station feels like a second home. Lt. Justin McKinney, who has served Dallas for nearly 14 years, said, “All of us would probably rather be at home with my families on Christmas Day or on Thanksgiving, things like that. But we try to have a good attitude.” He added that the presence of the crew means that those on other shifts get to be home with their families: “With us being here, that means the other people that work different shifts, they get to be home with their families,” McKinney said. McKinney also noted the deep bond, saying, “It’s like our second family. We spend a third of our lives with these people.”
Holiday Traditions and Meal
Inside the station, the air was filled with the sounds of preparation as firefighters split wood, fired up a smoker, and cooked a holiday meal together. The menu featured classic favorites: ham, mac and cheese, and sweet potato casserole. One firefighter, Holly, shared a special touch, saying, “This is my great-grandmother’s recipe,” Holly said. McKinney added, “We’re going to smoke some meat out on the smoker,” he said. “We try to make it feel as traditional as possible.”
Personal Touches
Firefighter Chad Russ asked for a simple Christmas gift this year-a small insert that fits into his helmet. The insert, which displays a picture of his wife Holly and their two daughters Parker and Spencer, helps him remember his family while he responds to emergency calls. Russ explained, “It’s just a little insert that goes into our helmet. It kind of helps me remember, stay safe, while I am away from the house, no way I can come back to them,” he said. He added, “When you take it off after a fire,” Russ said, “you can look at it and know you’re going to make it home to them.”
The Spirit of Service
McKinney reflected on the meaning of the sacrifices made on holidays, noting that the work remains meaningful. He said, “I’ve always wanted a job that was kind of bigger than me. Being there on somebody’s worst day and being able to hopefully make a difference in somebody’s life, I get a lot of value out of that.” The crew welcomed those who support them, bridging the gap between duty and home, and as Christmas came and went, the firefighters of Station 27 remained ready for the next call, supported by tradition, teamwork and the families who help keep them going.
Key Takeaways
- Station 27 stayed fully staffed and active on Christmas Day.
- Crew members treat each other as a second family, sharing traditions and meals.
- Personal touches like helmet inserts keep firefighters connected to home.
As the holiday season faded, the crew at Dallas Fire Station 27 continued to stand ready, their holiday spirit and camaraderie ensuring they could face whatever the city might throw their way.
