FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) Ninety-three year old Mr. Robert Slack collapsed several weeks ago while he was plowing his driveway. A neighbor called emergency services to help him, and he recovered. When Heather Eracleous woke up on Wednesday to more than ten inches of snow in the neighborhood, she immediately thought of the determined and independent man.
She was pleased to see that she wasn't the only one concerned about her neighbor; four members of Engine 10 of the Fort Wayne Fire Department made quick work of the driveway.
Heather sent the following letter to FWPD Chief Amy Biggs:
My name is Heather and I have lived across the street from Mr. Slack, who fought in WWII, my entire life. Now he is 93 years old and, a few weeks ago he was plowing his driveway when he collapsed at the end of it. An off-duty city police officer, who lives in the neighborhood, contacted emergency services to help Mr. Slack. City Police , Fire and TRAA arrived to help Mr. Slack who is a wonderfully stubborn and very independent man.
Today we all woke up to 8-10 inches of snow and I was worrying about exactly how I was going to go plow Mr. Slack’s driveway as I sit with a high fever, strep throat and an ear infection. About 2 minutes later I saw a fire truck slowly make its way down my street and park in front of Mr. Slack’s driveway. Panic struck as I thought perhaps he had tried to plow again and collapsed. The men from Engine 10 knocked on his door and he never answered so the four men took large shovels from the truck and shoveled his entire drive, knowing that he would try to do it himself. It only took the 4 of them about 10 minutes but it would have taken Mr. Slack over an hour and possibly his life.
Chief Biggs, I was so overwhelmed with their generosity and concern for his safety and wellbeing I just knew that something needed to be said. Another neighbor of mine was also in complete and total awe at these heroes.
I posted a photo of these men on my facebook page and explained the story. I already have 55 likes and comments. I wish there was something more I could say or do to show my gratitude to these men. Please pass my thanks along to the men of Engine 10.
Thank you so much!!
Heather
The four Fort Wayne firefighters from Station 10, Pvt. Andrew May, Pvt. Anthony Jennings, Pvt. Ben Singleton, and Capt. Russ McCurdy, said they had some extra time this morning and thought of Mr. Slack from when they met him before, so they decided to go by and help him out.
"It's just what we do," said Capt. Russ McCurdy, Fort Wayne Fire Department Station 10. "We just go out and help, and if we can make someone's day better, that's all it's about."
When NewsChannel 15 spoke to Mr. Slack he said he didn't know who had shoveled his driveway, but he appreciated the work of the firemen very much.
See the post on the FWFD's Facebook page