ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — Not everyone got the day off today.

Emergency responders still had to show up for their regular shift, but most were still able to give thanks.

We visited Clay Township Station One as the firemen on shift had their traditional Thanksgiving dinner. But, it wasn’t very traditional

The group of six guys on shift tonight decided that despite having to work over the holiday, they were going to celebrate. But they aren't eating turkey and mashed potatoes. Instead, crab legs and prime rib are on the menu.

Football, food and firemen. Your typical Thanksgiving is anything but typical here at Station One in Clay Fire Territory.

The six guys on staff tonight are cooking up a Thanksgiving meal for the record books. Green bean casserole, yams, bruschetta, prime rib, crab legs, and a gingerbread cookie. A meal fit for a king—and a fireman.

“We'll see how it comes out. That is why we made other food. Just in case something doesn't come out right,” a fireman taking part in the feast said.

While the group of jokesters is cooking up a storm tonight, they are always ready to get serious. On average, these guys take five to seven calls a day and even though it is Thanksgiving, they don't get the day off

“Things don't really change because it is a holiday,” said battalion chief Mike Gerndt. “We had a smoke scare. A lady was cooking her turkey and the juices spilled and caused smoke in the oven.”

But just because they have to be away from one family on this special holiday, doesn't mean they're not enjoying their time with another.

“It is family whether it is thanksgiving or not,” Gerndt said. “We spend one third of our lives with this group. We are a family.”

And like most families, they sit around the table together to eat and give thanks. Of course, after that they relax—just like they would at home.

Luckily, today was a slow day for the guys. They only had two calls before dinner. Not every holiday is like that though. The firemen say holidays mean travelers are on the roads and when those roads get slick, it is a bad combination.

By Kristin Bien (kbien@wsbt.com) www.wsbt.com

A group of firemen of Clay Fire District Station One enjoy a Thanksgiving meal