At the start of the blizzard on Friday, Demetrice and Danielle lost power at their home in Williamsville, so they packed their kids up Aayden, (8), Aubree (4), Jordynn (2), and Judah (9 months) and headed to a local hotel. The roads and visibility were treacherous and their vehicle got stuck.  Demetrice and Danielle were one of many motorists stuck in the roundabout on Aero and Youngs Road. Buffalo Airport Fire Fighters Mike Carrubba, Mark Wolhfiel, and Joel Eberth rescued 42 people and brought them to the ARFF Facility.

Demetrice and Danielle were the only ones with young children, so they stayed in the firehouse, and even though they were away from home, they had a great holiday for the family and firefighters. Aayden asked if he could be in uniform with us and was given a uniform and department T-shirt and learned about dispatch.

“It was an amazing experience for our firefighters, and it made us better people.” Said Joel Eberth, Assistant Chief Buffalo Airport Fire Department. “With them being here, Christmas became a big concern because Aayden was so excited that Santa would know he was here and he would get to celebrate at a real firehouse and we didn’t want to disappoint, so we were able to find several items in the firehouse to wrap for the family, and with the amazing help from the field office delivering some items from the terminal, we were able to make sure Santa paid a visit.”

This was certainly a very different but joyful holiday for everyone.