CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- While many people enjoy their holiday, let's not forget about those who are still working to protect us.

At Fire Station No. 1, this week is like any other work week for some of the firefighters. They have to work Christmas Eve and part of Christmas Day.

"The cheer is still here. You know we have a nice meal planned for later. I have a bunch of goodies I brought from home," Max Matthews said.

"It was rough the first year doing it but then you kind of got used to it. They understand. I mean they still visit us. We'll probably see them later on today,"Humero Plancarte said, who left his newlywed wife at home. Christmas Eve is also his birthday.

However, the crew says they don't mind the sacrifice, knowing their work is important. They also say their colleagues have become like family.

"We're all happy to be here truthfully. It's hard being away from friends and family sometimes but hopefully we knew that was apart of the job when we first started doing it and it goes along with it," Matthews adds.