By FireRescue1 Staff
HARRISBURG, N.C. — A 3-year-old’s birthday party was rescued by a fire department after most of the guests canceled last minute.
ABC News reported that shortly after the Reid family returned home after evacuating for Hurricane Florence, they were ready to celebrate 3-year-old Jackson’s birthday.
“He woke up so excited for his day ... then the texts started coming in,” Jackson’s mother, Melissa Reid, said. “Seven out of the eight families invited were unable to make it. Jackson was devastated.”
Reid called the Harrisburg Fire Department in a panic and asked if she could bring Jackson to the station to see the fire trucks.
Capt. Joe Yowler recruited all three crews in Harrisburg to help give Jackson a great day.
“He was crushed, we knew we had to do something,” HFD PIO David Bradshaw said. “We jumped at the chance. If we are seen as someone’s hero, we have got to act.”
The firefighters quickly gathered balloons, cupcakes, ice cream and a birthday candle from the store, and all three crews surprised Jackson at the station.
“We went to the station, there were balloons, cupcakes, so many firemen, I was overwhelmed!” Reid said.
Jackson was given a special tour of the station before all 15 firefighters sang “Happy Birthday” to him.
“I was a ball of emotions ... I am lost for words, what amazing humans,” Reid said.
Bradshaw said the party was a memorable moment.
“Just to see him smile and know his day was made and we had a part,” he said.
Reid said she is very appreciative of the firefighters’ actions.
“He now calls the firefighters ‘my friends,’” she said. “It all stemmed from a mother who was panicked. They just wanted to make the day special for my son.”
Bradshaw said the firefighters “hope to one day see an application” from Jackson.