Woman Buys 2 FireFighters a Meal, Gets Something Spectacular in Return

By: Stephen Thompson | Last updated: Oct 26, 2023

There’s a saying that goes, ‘No good deed ever goes wasted,’ and Liz Woodward’s story is a perfect example. Liz was a waitress at the 130 Diner in Delran, New Jersey.

She was working there one day when two firefighters came in looking exhausted after spending 12 hours putting out an inferno.

Fueled by Fire and Driven by Courage

Liz guessed where the men came from and decided to surprise them when she handed them their bill, which was a note that said, “Your breakfast is on me today. Thank you for serving others and running into places everyone else runs away from. No matter your role, you are courageous, brave, and strong; thank you for being bold and badass daily! Fueled by fire and driven by courage, what an example you are. Get some rest.”

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The gesture significantly moved the two firefighters.

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Rough Patches

The firefighters were so touched that they posted about it on Facebook and dropped great reviews about the diner and its friendly staff. Paul Hullings, one of the firefighters, wanted to do something more for Liz. He searched for her on Facebook, and he found something shocking.

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Liz Woodward was going through a hard time. Liz’s father, Steve, had quadriplegia; he had been involved in an accident and was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm.

Small Acts, Big Impact

Although he had a wheelchair, Steve’s family wanted a customized one to help him become more independent. However, they could not afford $60,000 to $80,000. Liz had put up a GofundMe page and had already amassed $20,000.

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Tim Young, the other firefighter, decided to put up the link to the GoFundme page and told her story. Many people donated until Liz got way more than she needed for her father.

When Kindness Comes Full Circle

Mobility Ventures, a company that makes customized vehicles for disabled clients, decided to give the family the latest wheelchair-accessible van model. Liz and the firefighters were also invited to the Ellen DeGeneres show. Shutterfly, a personalized photo gifts company, paid for the firefighters’ meals at the diner for the next five years. They also gave Liz a check for $20,000.

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Unfortunately, Steve eventually passed away, but because of his daughter’s kindness, he was able to live his twilight years to the fullest.