June 13th was going to be an amazing day for 10-year-old Thaime Sanchez; it was her birthday. She was going to have a party. She was going to open presents. She was going to have fun. Or so she thought.
The day before, a fire began outside her home. Thaime and her 14-year-old sister, Heidi Sanchez, alerted their mother, but it was too late. The fire grew and quickly took over their apartment, leaving Thaime with nothing to celebrate.
Mesa Police Officers felt the devastation experienced by Thaime and her family and wanted to help ease the pain in a special way. Officer Paramo contacted Thaime’s mother. He asked her what items were lost in the fire that were important to Thaime and what she would like for her birthday.
Within one hour, Officer Paramo collected $400 from officers impacted by this story.
Officer Kelly and Officer Tulkki assisted Officer Paramo on a shopping spree through Target, located at Longmore/ Southern. Curiosity grew from Target employees as they watched uniformed officers shop in the children’s section. After hearing what the officers intended, the Target Manager insisted on buying the gifts the officers picked out on behalf of the store. In addition, Target provided two push scooters for Thaime and Heidi. The remaining $400 was put on a gift card for Thaime’s mother.
In conjunction with MFD Engine 202 and one of their medic units, officers arranged a time to present the gifts to Thaime and her family. In parade-like fashion, 7 police vehicles, one fire engine, and one medic vehicle approached the awaiting family.
Our thoughts are with this family and hope that these gifts
show you are not alone. The officers, firefighters, and your community are here
for you. Special thanks to Officer Paramo for putting the wheels into motion
and truly brightening the day of this family.
Happy Birthday Thaime!!!
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