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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Lt. Brian Hartsook of the Johnson City Fire Department says he knew when he decided to be a public servant that weekends and holidays off weren’t guaranteed.
“Coming into this job you know you’re going to work a lot of holidays, miss a lot of family events, it just goes with the territory,” Hartsook said. “At the end of the day, we know someone has to be here for the citizens of Johnson City and that’s what we do.”
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Hartsook and the rest of his squad at Johnson City’s Station No. 3 were in the middle of their 24-hour shift Monday when they received a welcomed surprise.
Sarah Hart and Jacob O’Quinn of Johnson City’s Olive Garden restaurant delivered lunch to the station. In addition, the restaurant provided lunches for all Johnson City firefighters, police officers, and many healthcare workers.
“I just feel like they’re there for us so we want to be there for them. We’ve been doing it for 23 years,” Hart said.
Lt. Drew Guider with the Johnson City Police Department says the food is appreciated because most are missing out on that family celebration at home. But holiday or not, he said they approach the day with the same attitude.
“For us, no matter if it’s a holiday or weekend it’s business as usual,” Guider told News Channel 11. “We come in prepared. Some days are slower or busier, but we come in prepared for whatever the day may bring.”
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The meal consisted of spaghetti with meat or marina sauce, salad, and breadsticks. But no matter what it was, Hartsook says it’s a boost to morale.
“It for sure boosts morale and just having that connection with the other people in the city for them to show, hey we care about you.”
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