Assistant Fire and EMS Chief Denise Pouget received an interesting call for assistance the morning of Tuesdays snowstorm. While the Fire Department is well-versed in responding to calls for help, this emergency call was of a different nature to help the Alexandria Meals on Wheels program deliver some much needed support to areas of the city where volunteers could not maneuver due to the dense traffic and snow-covered streets.

Fire Department Facilities Manager John Franke and Firefighter Dale Barr quickly responded to the Meals on Wheels office to assist. After a brief lesson on program and delivery procedures, the firefighters used the departments four-wheel drive delivery truck to deliver more than 15 necessary and nutritious meals to numerous residential locations in the citys West End.

It was an honor to be called upon to assist some of the citys more vulnerable citizens in need during the storm, Franke said. It really puts into perspective the importance of both the fire department and these vital programs to our community. And the citizens truly appreciated the assistance.