Frontline workers share what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Despite a difficult year, many people still have something to be thankful for. 

Although it’s a holiday, there were still many people working around the clock.

This morning, Bristol Farms opened bright and early for a crowd of customers.

Each employee was busy as can be, ensuring that customers were able to enjoy a feast with family at home.

“It’s complicated, fun, exciting, crazy and there is a lot of obstacles,” Bristol Farms food service manager Gabby Interiano said. “There’s a lot of things that we have to work through.”

For the 15th consecutive year, Santa Barbara City Police sergeant Ethan Ragsdale worked a shift on Thanksgiving.

Yet, he remained committed to his duty. 

“That’s to keep everybody safe, healthy and make sure that our wellbeing is being protected,” Ragsdale said.

“I enjoy this job and helping out the community,” Santa Barbara City firefighter Kenneth Constantinides said.

“Whether someone needs help on a random day or on a holiday, it feels good to be able to help out when they need it.”

Although they won’t be at home celebrating with their families, each Santa Barbara City firefighter creates a Thanksgiving dish that they’re able to enjoy together at the station.

“We always go big on cooking here, everyone has their own little part that they’re cooking,” Constantinides said. “You don’t wanna have your’s being the worst.”

Even though working on the holidays is hard, many of the essential workers we spoke to found comfort by being together.

“Even though we’re away from our immediate friends and family during the holidays, it’s almost like being at a Thanksgiving dinner table,” Ragsdale said. “With your brothers and sisters that you work so closely with.”

Each of them had something to be thankful for.

“I’m most thankful for Santa Barbara and the community we live in,” Constantinides said.

“I have to say, I’m one of the lucky ones to still have a job,” Interiano said.

“I’m thankful for my friends, my family,” Ragsdale concluded.