By Bill Carey
SA国际传媒
AUBURN, Mass. 鈥� Auburn Fire Chief Stephen Coleman said that while they frequently receive thank you cards and occasional donations, none have ever been substantial enough to provide long-term support. However, the chief experienced an extraordinary surprise when a former patient generously donated $500,000.
鈥淭his is the ultimate in paying it forward,鈥� Coleman said. 鈥淪he鈥檚 going to still be able to assist people in a final act of kindness.鈥�
Debbie Virgilio, a regular patient known to Auburn鈥檚 first responders during her final days, was the generous donor,鈥�鈥痳eported. Thanks to her substantial contribution, the fire department was able to acquire a state-of-the-art, fully equipped ambulance, and also invest in updated equipment for their remaining three ambulances.
鈥淪he was just always impressed with the level of care and compassion she received from the paramedics,鈥� Coleman said. 鈥淪ome very needed building repairs at our fire headquarters, a portion of it went to purchasing new protective equipment for some new firefighters that we have coming on, so it was really a blessing in disguise.鈥�