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First responders spend Christmas working

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DAYTON, Ky. -- Most people on Sixth Avenue were celebrating Christmas with their relatives Monday, but their neighbors, firefighters with the Bellevue-Dayton Fire Department, have a proud tradition of making their own family.

The firefighters work 24 hours on, 48 off. It's a tough shift that they take in stride. On holidays, they get to do some celebrating with each other in between medical runs and kitchen fires. 

"We all get along," Firefighter/paramedic Gary Knight said. "We all have fun while we're here."

The hardest part is being away from their spouses and children for holidays year after year, according to the firefighters. But there's comfort in knowing they have each other.

"It's extended family," Lt. Brent Schafer said.

Watch the video above to hear more from the firefighters about how they celebrate Christmas.