Lakeside resident awarded for generous acts toward Henrico firefighters who saved her life

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A Lakeside resident was recently awarded for her generous acts toward the Henrico County firefighters who saved her life.

According to the county , Lakeside resident Barbara Chapman was recently presented with the Distinguished Community Service Medal by the Henrico County Board of Supervisors in recognition of her generosity and gratitude toward the county’s Firehouse 5.

Chapman’s relationship with the Division of Fire began five years ago when she was enjoying a Saturday at the Lakeside Farmers’ Market and started to feel ill.

“Evidently, I didn’t eat enough breakfast and I couldn’t wait to get there,” said Chapman, who has diabetes. “I went over and I kept falling. Every time I’d take a couple of steps, I’d fall and I’d stumble.”

After Chapman made it back to her car, a good Samaritan called for emergency help. According to the county, crews from Firehouse 5 responded and pricked Chapman’s finger, which revealed she had a dangerously low level of blood glucose. Despite this, she resisted going to the emergency room.

Chapman said one of the firefighters on duty gave her small packages of jelly, like the ones found in restaurants. She ate about four of the jellies which helped to increase her level of blood glucose, allowing her to get in her car and return home.

When Chapman returned home, she began to wonder what she could do for the firefighters that saved her life, and decided to regularly visit the fire station to share homecooked meals.

According to the county, Firehouse 5 welcomed Chapman and gave her the title of “Mama 305,” named after the station’s fire engine.

“Between caring for us like that and actually having a general interest in us, it feels like she’s like the station mama,” Fire Lt. Travis Bowling said.

Some of the firefighters’ favorite foods from Chapman included her soups, chili and Mediterranean meals. The county says Chapman has also brought the firefighters small gifts, such as doormats and toothpaste.

“I treat them like they’re my children, my boys and my girls,” Chapman said.

The Distinguished Community Service Medal was established in 2018 to celebrate acts of community service by Henrico County employees and residents.

According to the county, Fairfield District Supervisor Roscoe D. Cooper III surprised Chapman with the award during a Board of Supervisors’ work session on Aug. 27.

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