Firefighters Go Out Of Their Way: Newton Local Heroes

NEWTON, MA — When times are tough, some heroes emerge, and the heroes we've known surprise us even more. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. Together with Ring, we're working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Anne Marie Killilea who nominated three members of the Newton Fire Department, one of which is her son: Timothy Killilea, James McCarthy and LT Michael While.

It was Mother's Day during the pandemic, and she was feeling pretty alone, says Killilea, that's when White, McCarthy and her son, Timothy pulled up in front of her home in a big red fire truck to wish her a Happy Mother's Day.

If there was just one thing people should know about her nominees?

"How caring and thoughtful the fire department can be to brighten up the day for one mother," said Killilea. "All three are just truly awesome men who do more than just put out fires!"

Killilea had just recovered from the coronavirus, but couldn't go out feeling kind of miserable.

"My son got out of the fire truck and gave me flowers and a bracelet that said 'Mother' on it. I just cried. I felt like a little kid that day," Killilea said. "It was so kind and sweet of him and his two buddies to do that for me. Imagine a big red fire truck showing up at your home!"

"It's not always the big things that make a difference in the lives of mothers. Sometimes, it's just doing something out of the ordinary, something very special to help a mom get through a sad time in her life and feel better," she added. "My son, Timothy Killilea, including James McCarthy and Lieutenant Michael White, went out of their way to show that it doesn't take much to be kind, but it does take a little bit of time. I am so grateful for what they did for me."

She's since "paid it forward" and made them chocolate chip cookies.

"During this time of fear and stress, it is encouraging to see young men take the time to be kind to someone's mother. The smile on my face beams from ear to ear whenever I think of that Mother's Day!" she said.

Thank you for all you do, Firefighters Killiea, McCarthy and White!

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Read about other Local Heroes Across America here.