Daphne firefighter leads effort to build wheelchair ramp for local family

DAPHNE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — An Eastern Shore Fire Department has come to the aid of a local family — but not by fighting fires. It all started when a Daphne firefighter responded to a medical call.

“As we went inside I really felt the Lord tell me like, hey you need to do something for these people,” Zac Foerster said.

That something surrounded an old wheelchair ramp that needed to be revamped.

“I noticed that the ramp was in really bad shape,” Foerster said. “It wasn’t adequate, it wasn’t safe to use for the responders or the family.”

After the first responders made sure the patient was okay, Zac Foerster, took the lead and asked the family if they wanted a new ramp.

“At first I had no clue if anyone would be able to help or not I just knew I was supposed to speak up and say something,” Foerster said. “As soon as I said it, the guys on my crew were like hey we’re going to help you.”

And that’s exactly what they did. Daphne firefighters showed up at the family’s home on a hot day in July with their tools, ready to get their hands dirty. They built the new ramp by hand with the help of local businesses who provided the wood and concrete.

“It was so cool to see everyone come together and just wanna help out,” Foerster said. “I think in life, that’s the way a lot of people want to help they just need somebody to make the first step.”

Daphne city leaders praise Zac for taking that first step.

“I think that’s kind of what being a firefighter is all about is helping people that you don’t even know — and great job on Zac’s part because it wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for him,” Daphne Fire Chief, LeAnn Tacon said.

“For you to take the lead and get those guys together to do it was just amazing and really we appreciate it,” Daphne Mayor, Robin LeJeune said.

Zac’s efforts landed him our Smiles Behind the Shield Award. Congratulations and a job well done.

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