Hometown Hero: Spreading Joy As Sparky the Dalmatian

When times are tough, heroes emerge. 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 Patricia Rodgers, who nominated Tricia McCarthy.

Since the beginning of quarantine, McCarthy has reached out to numerous families in the local area to visit as Sparky the Dalmatian on her privately owned firetruck. Her only fee is a smile and pay an act of kindness forward. She’s attended over 80 car parades.

Thank you for all you do Tricia McCarthy!

>> Do you have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here. Read about other heroes from across New York here.