SPECIAL DELIVERY
FIRST RESPONDERS GET A SURPRISE PIZZA RESPITE
ASTON » It’s not every day you see the pizza delivery guy show up driving a 2016 Corvette Z06.
But on Tuesday, some Delaware County police officers did just that. It wasn’t any ordinary food delivery: Frank Kulp and three friends were making the rounds around Delaware County thanking first responders with 30 fresh pizzas.
“It’s our way of thanking them for their service, especially during these difficult times,” said Rick Fuller of Brookhaven, who organized the event.
Fuller, who served 41 years with Brookhaven police before retiring ten years ago, got three other friends - Kulp, Jim Bender and Art Smith - to kick in some money and drive around Tuesday delivering the pies.
“I thought it would be nice, a good gesture during this crazy time,” said Bender of Nether Providence. “I think it’s nice to give back to the front liners.”
First responders agreed. At Brookhaven Fire Co., Chief Rob Montella gave Fuller a elbow bump when accepting two pies. Next door at the police station, officers were thrilled.
“It’s awesome to be always thought of in a positive light, and for people to think of us in this day and times. We do appreciate it for a job well done,” said Brookhaven Police Chief Matthew Curtain.
“Anytime people do something like this, even the smallest thing, it’s really special,” said Chester Police Officer Joseph Dougherty as he accepted four pizzas.
“There have been a few people who have donated. We really appreciate the support in these times. And who doesn’t love pizza?” asked Upland Detective Andy Nicholl when Fuller arrived at the station with two pies.
Other stops included the Parkside police station, the
Parkside Fire Co., the Upper Providence, Nether Providence, Media, Aston, Lower Chichester, Chester Township, Marcus Hook, Trainer and Upper Chichester police stations.
First responders across Delaware County report increased donations from residents. On Tuesday Springfield police tweeted a thanks to the Migatz family for its donation of hoagies and chips.
The pizzas came from Cocco’s in Aston, which discounted the bill. Owner Bruce Bley said he tries to support first responders including donations to area
EMS crews as well as for the family of Mercy Fitzgerald Paramedic Kevin Bundy, who died of COVID-19 in April. For each pizza purchased at the business, a dollar was donated. The effort has raised $1,700 for the EMS crews and the same for Bundy’s family.
Bless said his shop is keeping busy with takeout pizza deliveries that offset his dining room which is now closed.
“People in Aston have been trying to order out, thinking to try to help,” said Bley. “I feel sorry for all the other restaurants that can’t be open. If you’re not used to doing takeout, they are struggling.”
Bless said they have also been delivering pizzas through a program with the Mount Hope Food Bank.
Asked about reopening the dining room, Bley said he was hesitant. “I don’t want to be the baby sitter. You’re going to have some people who don’t want to wear mask, some that do,” he said.