Remember first responders this Christmas
Many are gearing up for the holidays with last minute Christmas shopping and decorating. With the unseasonably warm temperatures this past weekend, I was able to hang up my Christmas lights around my house.
Decorating for Christmas and bringing family together are just a few of my favorite parts about the holidays, but this hasn’t always been tradition. I served as a firefighter for more than 20 years. I know what it is like to be working around the clock ensuring others have a safe Christmas. My family and I spent many holidays apart and this is a sacrifice we were willing to make, because I love serving my community.
Firefighters, police officers, EMS, military and hospital staff are constantly working to ensure our community and state’s safety. Holidays are just another workday for those in uniform. Unfortunately, accidents don’t take pause during the holiday season. We, suit up in event of a cooking fire, car accident or any other unplanned event 365 days a year.
While you are cooking dinner and baking for family and friends this season, please be extra mindful of kitchen safety. According to Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), cooking is the leading cause of home fires. To prevent fires, keep flammable items away from the stove and oven. Do not leave cooking food unattended, and be sure to keep a close eye on children in the kitchen. To read about these tips and others, visit the IDHS’s website http://www.in.gov/dhs.
This time of year, not only brings great tasting food to the table, it also brings more travel and traffic. To avoid getting stuck in traffic, I always leave early when traveling during the holidays. Limiting your use of cruise control and always using a turn signal are just some little things that helps keep our roadways safe.
Having spent so many years away from family on holidays has really helped me cherish the time I do get to spend with them on Christmas. Each year, we also like to have a relaxing evening together watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” and reading the Christmas story from the Bible together.
While you are home with your family during the holidays, keep in mind those serving our communities, and remember not all families get to share this special time with their loved ones.
Merry Christmas!
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Rep. Frye (R-Greensburg) represents Ohio and Switzerland counties, as well as portions of Ripley, Decatur, Jennings, Jefferson and Dearborn counties
