Residents of Bernalillo County want the firefighters at Fire Station No. 30 to know they are appreciated, so for several days before Christmas, folks started popping in with cookies, baked treats and fresh fruit. 

"The opportunity to get this little bit of extra gifts and thanks from members of the public, as well as some of our administrative staff, it means a lot to us out here in the field that have to be working," Lt. Arguelles told KOAT News. 

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, firefighters and staff who worked on Christmas Day were treated to a large holiday meal, prepared by and shared with family members at the station, Arguelles said in the report. 

This year, community members helped spread Christmas cheer to the firefighters on duty by dropping off festive holiday snacks and treats at the fire station.

"We wish we could be with our friends and our family," Arguelles said, so the gifts of food and gratitude are "huge" for those working on the holiday.

Arguelles said the firefighters looked forward to thanking residents for the gifts in person and encourage visits to the station once the pandemic is over. 

"It's definitely going to be nice when we get to open up the doors a little bit more again, and let people know that, although this is our house, we are happy to show it to them and show them what they're supporting and what we do," Arguelles said.

Anyone who would like to drop off a donation to any local fire station is welcome to do so, county officials state, but they ask donors wear face masks when making a delivery.