said . “ We love taking care of our community . We have a lot of involvement with a lot of people in our community because of what we do .”
The love runs much deeper than just responding to the initial flames and putting them out . The Joys often donate to those they help while wearing their turnout gear once they return to their civilian clothes .
When houses go up in flames and cherished possessions are lost , the Joys , especially the kids , begin going through their belongings .
“ If they lose everything , ( the kids ) donate their own stuff ,” Christina said . “ Backpacks , folders , pencils , clothes , shoes , everything .”
She recalled a fire with two adults and two children who lost everything . The Joys donated seven bags of clothing just to make sure the family had clothing options .
“ That ’ s what you do in the fire service ,” Christina said . “ This is our community , this is where we live . You have to help — there ’ s no choice in the matter .
“ We don ’ t do it for the gratitude ,” she said . “ We don ’ t do it for the notoriety . I do it because I love it .”
The family has endured trials and tribulations just as they have experienced bright days , but always having a unit that understands you is paramount , Christina said . “ There ’ s some calls I can ’ t make it , there ’ s some calls they can ’ t make it ,” she said . “ We ’ ve all been through different types of calls . The advantage is we all know what we ’ re dealing with and have