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To take the melancholic edge off, the crew prepares a special meal and may indulge in an extra treat routinely delivered by neighâ€" bours. Some stations have deco- rated trees and secret Santa gift exchanges. Many fire chiefs. active and retired, will have meals delivâ€" “It can be a bit sad because you’-re not with your family, but that’s the commitment you make when you take the job." he said. Fire Station 97 on Main Street in Markham is staffed 24/7 by a four- person crew. While fire depart- ment workers represent all faiths. firefighter Chris Beaumont’s team celebrates Christmas. Still, for those working holiday shifts, traditions, when time allows. are welcome. For our essential service pro- fessionals, the holidays can be a misnomer. Emergencies don’t take vacations. Either do those entrustâ€" ed to be vigilant. BY CHRIS TRABER c!raber@yrmg.c0m ‘TWas the night before Christ- mas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The same can't be said for York Region's hospitals and police, fire and ambulance stations. CHRISTMAS: Prayer rooms for police officers Dave Darling, Store Manager and Jean Miljevic, District Manager stand in front of the crowds of people who visited the new Food Basics at Highway 48, just south of Major Mackenzie Drive. This new Food Basics opened its doors to the public on Wednesday December 8, 2010 with line-ups of people awaiting entry to the new store. The new Food Basics address is 1220 Castlemore Ave. in Markham. No holiday for region’s essential service workers \HST L\'! “It’s not too bad," she said. “Our crew is very Close. It's an extended family, like a new set of brothers. During the holidays. we spend a little extra time around the table, if we can. winding down, talking." (Iapt. Jim Jones has spent his share of holidays on the job during Rookie firefighter Heather Elchuk, 26, isn’t as fortunate. Her duties will prevent her from spend- ing Christmas with her family, including six siblings, in her home- town of Priceville, ON. This will be the first Christmas in four years, he will be spending the day with his three pre-teenage children. “Our lobby fills up every day," Mr. Beaumont. “We're very comâ€" munity oriented." ered for their crews during the fes- tive season. V in the spirit of the Yuletide, Sta- tion 97 conducts a toy drive. » ‘It can be a bit sad because you’re not with your family, but that’s the commitment you make when you take the job." About 100 of the region's 400 emergency medical service staff will be at their posts and in their ambulances this weekend, EMS superintendent lxiuise Lorene said. With call volumes particularly high Southlake president Dan Carri- ere's tradition is to visit the hospi- tal on Christmas Day and wish all working staff a Merry Christmas. They set the table like a fes- tive meal and have non-alcoholic drinks, Ms La Rue said. “The staff try to do two breaks only, so more people can share the meal togethâ€" er, however you never know what might come through the door." Christmas babies are all given festive hats and themed quilts, donated from the Quilt Shop. Nurs- es play Santa and deliver donated toys to each child’s bed Christmas morning. Emergency Room staff arrange a special dinner on Christmas and New Year's Day, where everyone brings their favourite dishes. a 32-year career. Often, he'll arrange for holiday meals to be delivered and will host stafi parties at his home. Similarly, Southlake Regional Health Centre’s birthing, pediatric and emergency departments run around the clock, spokesperson Tammy La Rue said.’ “It's hard to see the things that go on during the holidays," she said. EMS stafi light up shelters and hospital wards on Christmas Eve, distributing blankets and toy bears to kids, she said. Post Christmas and 'llianksgiv- ing holidays are euphemistieally called Salmonella Mondays by EMS insiders, she said. As a result of people eating improperly stored leftovers. a flood of food poisoning Paramedics are kept busy when snow and alcohol translate into collisions, slips and falls. The holi- days can be emotionally delicate and difficult, Ms Lorenc said, notâ€" ing Christmas and Valentine’s Day traditionally see a spike in suicide and domestic assault calls. during holidays, it’s rare crews can relax over a leisurely meal, she said. With a 12-hour shift starting at 6 a.m., it can be tough on EMS work- ers with families waiting at home. Mth a 12-hour shift starting at 6 am, it can be tough on EMS workers with families waiting at home. The nature of their work subâ€" jects essential service personnel to disturbing scenes. ‘ “We love doing our job." Mr. Beaumont said. “At this time of the year, you hate to see someone hav- ing a bad day on a fire or medical call. Of all days, a Christmas tragedy is the worst." Leading up to the holidays, police host food and toy drives with a multi-faith event at the Commu- nity Safety Village. They also orgaâ€" nize Holiday Heroes, a toy collec- tion in partnership with commu- nity groups and businesses. Mth varied faiths and cultures represented on the force, prayer rooms are available in each district for staff use. callsareanswered. A significant portion of York Region Police is also on duty at Christmas, community services inspector Maria Ahrens said. Offi- cers, civilian, communications and records staff support the region’s 34 platoons. Though it’s business as usual, each district has holiday decora- tions and commanders tradition- ally make the rounds, wishing staff season’s greetings. Day and evening shifts enjoy pot luck meals with R.I.D.E. crews called in on rotating shifts to participate.