Jacksonville retired fireman makes firefighter village for first responders

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — While a lot of people have Christmas Day off, the job doesn’t stop for first responders. A retired fireman showed Action News Jax the unique way he is honoring the men and women who are away from their families.

All aboard for Christmas! Harvey Royal, a retired fireman who served with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department for 36 years, is saluting his comrades with a model town in his home, called the Royal Village.

“Everything there is fire-related,” Royal said.

Royal and his daughter started collecting ornaments and fire stations 15 years ago.

“One house in the upper right hand corner that’s a burning house. It gives the firemen something to do. But so far they haven’t been able to put the fire out. They’re working on it,” he said.

Royal spent months in his garage working on the village with his family. Everything from the roof to the platforms is made from scratch.

“We started in May of this year, and we finished up last night,” Royal said.

It’s a tribute to all the first responders who sacrifice all year round, and often miss holidays with their families. It’s part of the job, something Royal knows all about. But he hopes this year it’s a light workload.

“I wish them and their families a Merry Christmas, and I hope they get to eat lunch without going on another run,” Royal said.

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