Officer sees family in need, raises money for a new refrigerator

WATERTOWN - Watertown, Massachusetts police officer Frank Forde knew something was wrong and he needed to help.

He responded to a call earlier this week and found a family that had fallen on hard times. Forde knew one thing could make a big difference in their lives. He got his fellow brothers and sisters in blue to pitch in.

New refrigerator for family

"As part of the job, you kind of come across people who could be having the worst day of their lives. Sometimes you're there and you can really, really help those people," Forde told WBZ-TV.

"The family were in a difficult, difficult time. The father had a medical condition and they had financial constraints. The old fridge, they broke, and it'd had been two months since they had a fridge."

Forde left the home that night, but that family didn't leave his mind. He's a dad himself.

"They have a young daughter in the house, they really needed help. When I got back to the station, I knew I had to do something more for the family," Forde said.

Thanks to the generosity of the men and women of the Watertown Police Department, within 24 hours Officer Forde had raised nearly $1,000. That was enough for a brand new refrigerator to be delivered this week and gift cards to fill it with food.

"It was an emotional conversation. You really feel for the family. They were emotional, they were kind of taken back by the whole thing. They gave us a hug at the end. They were real happy," he said.

Officer Frank Forde's inspiration

This desire to make a difference comes from Forde's inspiration - his grandfather and uncle who wore the uniform and went out each day to help. Forde's passion project is his St. Patrick's Day breakfast for the New England Center and Home for Veterans .

"Me and my fellow officers we make the breakfast food, and we bring it down and we serve 150-to-200 people. In the last five years we've raised over $20,000 for the center," Forde told WBZ.

It's a significant impact, that all started with a good idea and a giving spirit.

"Sometimes you just need a spearhead, and then everyone gets behind the idea and really helps out," he said humbly.