An anonymous woman covered meals for approximately 30 firefighters after they knocked down a 70-acre wildfire in Southern California, after the crew finished fighting the La Cadena Fire in La Loma Hills; they were sent to Denny's for dinner.
"While eating, an anonymous woman told the Denny's staff that she wanted to buy all of the firefighter's meals," the Colton Fire Department announced on Facebook. The bill for all of the meals, plus tip, came to a total of $405. The woman also bought a gift card for $100 to pay for desserts for the second wave of firefighters who were going to come to Denny's that evening on Valley Boulevard.
The firefighters served on 13 different departments, including San Bernardino County Fire, Cal Fire, Redlands, Colton, Loma Linda, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, San Manuel, Montclair, Apple Valley, Chino Valley and Upland.
"On behalf of all of the firefighters that worked on the La Cadena Fire," the department said, "we thank you for your generous show of support." Colton Fire Department spokesman Capt. Tom DeBellis said such acts of support from the community are not unusual but always appreciated. DeBellis also said that "It happens all the time, but more so when we're on the big fires." Usually the reporting department pays the bill for the firefighters; the complete bill was over $1,700.
The kind gesture demonstrates how a small act of kindness can be very much appreciated and show that even for just doing your job sometimes a thanks is necessary to people who risk their life for others.
Heather Strong
Community Writer