Seeing What a Fireman Did for an Elderly Woman Should Give Us Hope

Photographs are going viral of a New Hampshire firefighter's act of kindness during Thursday's snowstorm that socked the East Coast.

Image source: WMUR-TV

Tom Faucher of the Manchester Fire Department may have carried out the ultimate example of age-old chivalry.

He helped an elderly woman cross the street.

“The lady seemed to be having some trouble getting up the road,” Foucher told WMUR-TV in Manchester, N.H.

“I just asked her how her day was going and [asked] ‘How much further to you have to walk?’ and she said, ‘I’m doing good. I just got to get back across the street and I’ll get on my way.’”

Image source: WMUR-TV

But the heavy snow looked to be hampering the woman's efforts, so Foucher exited his truck to help.

Image source: WMUR-TV

Image source: WMUR-TV

Image source: WMUR-TV

As it happens, the act of kindness was a team effort.

Foucher's commanding officer was the first to notice the woman was having a problem crossing the street; the lieutenant inside the fire engine gave the order to stop traffic, and the engine's driver positioned the truck so Faucher could safely help her cross.

Onlookers snapped a few photos, which spread online. An off-duty firefighter also noticed from the window of his apartment and snapped some photos as well. Firefighters below didn’t realize the moment was being captured on camera.

Image source: WMUR-TV

Faucher, who's been with the department for 18 months, said the sudden attention is surprising.

"It’s just something we don’t expect,” Faucher told WMUR. “We come to work every day. We’re here to serve the public. … I just told her to have a nice day and obviously if she needs anything, just give us a call.”

No report yet on the woman's identity.