While festive lights twinkle and families gather for Noche Buena across Angeles City, a different kind of vigilance keeps some individuals awake. For FO3 James Vergara, a firefighter and member of the Special Rescue Force, Christmas is not a holiday but a solemn commitment to duty. His story highlights the quiet sacrifices made by first responders who stand guard while the nation celebrates.
A Childhood of Simple Joys Fuels Present-Day Courage
FO3 James finds strength in memories of his uncomplicated childhood in Nepo Subdivision. He recalls the joy of new clothes, accompanied by parental advice to care for them so they could be used the following year. The simple pleasures of street-side treats and, most importantly, the unwavering presence of family now serve as his anchor. These memories fortify him each time he faces a dangerous situation with no guarantee of a safe return home.
He credits his family, particularly his mother, as his strongest pillar of support. "There is nothing like a mother’s care," FO3 James states, acknowledging the emotional foundation that sustains him in a perilous profession.
Duty Knows No Holiday Schedule
As part of the Special Rescue Force, FO3 James Vergara is among the first to respond to emergencies—whether fires, natural disasters, earthquakes, or complex rescue operations. His duty has no fixed schedule; calls come at midnight, dawn, during dinner, or even in the middle of Christmas and New Year celebrations. While others count the dishes on their festive tables, he and his colleagues count seconds, strategizing on how to save lives.
One of his most unforgettable missions was an off-duty response to a suicidal individual at SM Clark. "I didn’t know what could happen. We could fall together, I could slip, or he could suddenly jump," he recounts. In that tense moment, standing between life and death, he carried the weight of fear and the responsibility of being a breadwinner, worrying about what would happen to his own family if he did not make it back. Despite these fears, he moved forward, and a life was saved.
A Firefighter's Christmas Plea for Safety
This experience is not isolated. From rescues on billboards to operations in Abacan, his work repeatedly demands not just physical strength but profound courage. Having witnessed the consequences of negligence firsthand, FO3 James offers a crucial reminder to every household this Christmas season.
His essential fire safety tips include:
- Unplug faulty appliances immediately.
- Regularly check LPG tanks for leaks.
- Avoid electrical overloads and dangerous "octopus" connections.
- Exercise caution with holiday decorations and lights.
"In the middle of parties, sometimes we don’t notice that appliances are already overheating," he added, urging heightened awareness during festivities.
Behind the peace and safety of a community enjoying Christmas lies the sacrifice of individuals like FO3 James Vergara. They willingly risk everything so that others can safely hold their loved ones close, embodying the true spirit of service beyond the season's celebrations.
