Members of the Westfield Fire Department help Dan Puza and staff bring in lunch from the North Elm Butcher Block. (MARC ST. ONGE/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
WESTFIELD- The Westfield Police and Fire Departments were the recipients of free lunches from North Elm Butcher Block this week as a way to thank them for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fire Chief Patrick Egloff said that North Elm Butcher Block’s DJ Puza had approached the chiefs of both departments to provide some free meals.
“It unfolded basically because with everything that is going on, we know that they have all been working 10 times harder than they have had to,” said Puza, “We have had such overwhelming support with our customers that we wanted to do something for our first responders.”
The police and fire departments received 30 meals each Wednesday. The meals were delivered to the police department headquarters and to each of the three fire stations for all on-duty personnel.
The meals included barbecue baby back ribs, pulled pork, mashed potatoes, and cornbread.
“There was enough food to feed 15-20 officers. Plus whatever they made for fire. The barbecue was outstanding,” said Police Chief Lawrence P. Valliere, “It was very generous on the part of North Elm Butcher Block. They have been invested in this community for four generations. They have always stepped up to support Westfield and are truly great people. This was very much appreciated by our department.”
Puza again extended his gratitude for the first responders working amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
“Thank you to all the first responders for doing everything they can. They obviously risk quite a bit running into situations not knowing what is going on,” said Puza.
