Many Workers Retain Passion As They Work Through Thanksgiving Day

SPRING LAKE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Thanksgiving means a day off from work to relax and spend time with family for most people.

But as CBS2's Meg Baker reported, some people have no choice but to work.

Imagine just sitting down to your turkey with family, and then having to race out to save someone else's family. That is the job description for first responders who are on call this Thanksgiving.

"When you take that responsibility to be a firefighter or EMT as a first aider, you get that call – and many times at the holidays we get it," said Spring Lake, New Jersey Fire Chief Frank Ciufo.

Unfortunately, emergencies happen every day -- even on holidays. Luckily, there will always be someone to answer your call.

Emergency room staffers call Monmouth County Medical Center their second home and family.

"We're here for community no matter what day of the year it is, and we have a passion for taking care of people, so that's what we're all about," said Monmouth County Medical Center administrative director Deborah Cioffi.

Other people the public out this holiday include gas attendants out in the cold, and toll booth workers. In order to get over the river and through the wood, your route likely involves and expressway and paying tolls.

If you forget something on your Thanksgiving menu, many food stores are open.

"The grocery store workers -- I think they do such a great job," said Maura Magnier. "I don't think they get enough credit for it, let alone enough pay for it."

And for some, it's all about entertainment. A lot of movie release dates are planned around Thanksgiving, so a lot of theaters are staffed.

"It's unfortunate, but maybe they want to work," said Jennifer LaCourt of Monmouth County. "Maybe they would rather work than be home with their families."

Others on the job Thursday included police officers, airport staffers, security, restaurant workers, and of course, news anchors, reporters, producers and other staff.

Many people who spoke to CBS2's Baker thanked their families for understanding and supporting their hard work.