While many Central Floridians spent Thanksgiving gathered with food and family, first responders across the region marked the holiday on the job — answering calls, staffing patrols and keeping neighborhoods safe.

At Orange County Fire Rescue, crews shared a holiday meal when time allowed, knowing a call could pull them away at any moment.

"We adapt and overcome when it comes to the holidays," Lt. Jackson Elie said. He said crews typically see an uptick in emergencies. "More people are at home, more people are cooking, so we definitely see a call increase."

Firefighters say that when they can’t be with their families, loved ones often visit the station instead.

Police agencies also experience steady activity during the holidays. In Bunnell, officers increased traffic patrols and focused

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