Firefighters had all the fixings for a Memorial Day weekend barbecue ready at the checkout at a Costco in Vacaville, California, but everything was left behind after they had to rush out on an emergency call.
When the firefigthers returned to the store half an hour later, wearing camouflage-patterned shirts with the American flag and determined to still have their steak, corn and watermelon, they were surprised, according to KOVR-TV. Someone had paid their $125.25 bill.
"While one of our crews was shopping at Costco, wearing our camouflage shirts to honor the military, they received a 911 call and had to leave their cart of food and run out to the engine. After returning to the store to pay, a military wife paid for the entire cart and left this note. Whoever did this, we are forever grateful and your kind gesture will not be forgotten," the Vacaville Firefighters Association wrote on Facebook.
An Air Force wife paid the firefighters' bill when they were called off for an emergency. (Image source: Facebook)
“We’re hoping that that person would come by and let us thank them for it," Battalion Chief Jeff Ryder told KTVU-TV.
The firefighters, who have to pay for their own meals even on duty, turned around and paid the gesture forward.
“Later that day, the crew was at Lucky’s. There was an older couple behind them buying flowers appeared to be for Memorial Day, and the crew took some of that money and bought the flowers for them," Ryder told KOVR.
Then, on Tuesday, they cooked dinner for a WWII vet.
Vacaville firefighters were wearing these shirts when they were at a Costco in California over the weekend. (Image source: Facebook)
On Wednesday, the Vacaville Firefighters Association is also hosting a previously planned fundraising dinner, which will send half of proceeds to Travis Air Force Base’s Fisher House.
Watch KOVR-TV's report about the generous gift:
(H/T: Reddit)
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