DERBY--Firefighters in Derby spent all day Wednesday preparing and delivering 55 home-cooked Thanksgiving meals to residents in Derby and Shelton who cannot get out for Thanksgiving.
"It's all from scratch, just like you'd get it at home," said Derby Captain Tom Biggs. Firefighters began preparing the dinners around 8 a.m. This is the second year they have cooked dinners for Thanksgiving.
"We're cooking four turkeys - which is about almost 100 pounds of turkey - and stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls and cookies for each person," said Biggs.
Delivering the meals allows firefighters to meet people in town under better circumstances thank they normally would.
"Usually, when they're calling the fire department, they're calling for bad things," said Derby Lt. Chuck Stankye. "And this is something we can do to help these people out."
Firefighters say their reward is being able to help those who would otherwise go without on Thanksgiving. "It's just our way of giving back to the community," said retired Derby Chief Jim Butler Sr.
Derby firefighters say they will also be cooking and delivering meals for Christmas.
