I just wanted to share with you a call we responded to late last night. Engine 5 was called to Silsbee Street for the report of someone unconscious in a vehicle in the street. The police were there first and made contact. We spoke to the young man and he explained to us that his car was broken down and he was homeless.

His car would’ve been ticketed and towed so we pushed it to a safe place and he declined going to the hospital. He said he would sleep in his car. Firefighters Tim Godbout and John Lynch felt really bad for this nice young man who was down on his luck and gave him $20 to get gas and food. 

As we were clearing the scene they still wanted to do more. So we drove back to the station and Tim got a nice, thick blanket out of his truck and we brought it back to him. 

The firefighters on my crew never cease to amaze me with their generosity and compassion and I wanted to share just one of those instances with you. 

Editor’s note: Lynn Fire Lt. Jon Godbout wrote this letter to Chief Stephen Archer who allowed The Item to reprint it. This was Archer’s reply to Godbout: “You are so right about the care and compassion of the guys. They exhibited the highest example of the service and care that are the hallmarks of our department. It’s a beautiful example of why we are so proud to wear this uniform and to serve this city.”