Firefighters 'random acts' help family

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Men carrying in plywood and tools to a South Valley mobile home aren't construction workers, they're firefighters giving back to a woman and her children who are in need.

Nearly three weeks ago the water heater in the home caught on fire. The single mother of four, who owns the home and didn’t’ want to be identified, talked about that day.

“I opened the door to the water heater, and it was all in flames,"she said.  "And my reaction was throw water on it”.

Firefighters said her quick thinking saved the home, but the water heater was toast.

She couldn't afford to replace it. So the firefighters came to the rescue through their charity, Random Acts.

“Only a fireman can suggest random acts,” said charity Director Steve Vaughan. “We've done almost 250 random acts. Some small, some big.

"We just empower the firemen to do random acts of kindness in the community."

They've done everything from granting wishes for sick children, to buying appliances for families and fixing up homes. The charity includes Albuquerque and Berrnalillo County firefighters.

“They usually expect us to come in, mitigate the emergency and leave," Vaughan said.  "Then when we come back and do things like this, it really touches them."

That includes the South Valley mother.

“So thankful to God for there being such good people like this out there still,” she said.

The new water heater cost Random Acts about $600, but what really helped them out was TLC Plumbing and Heating, which donated its services to hook it up.

Vaughan said they will start thinking about the next project.

“Do more with their badges and earn the right to be called heroes," he added.

The 5-year-old charity relies on donations from firefighters and the public.

Additional information, how to volunteer or provide other assistance and a link to make cash donations can be found on the Albuquerque Area Firefighters Random Acts website.