As a volunteer with the Felton Fire Company for more than 25 years, Larry Thompson knows about the stress first responders, veterans and police encounter daily. He and his wife Kimberly Anne Thompson started an organization five years ago to host camping, hunting and fishing trips for those who serve the community.
Now, Delaware Helping Warriors Outdoors is lending a hand to first responders battling a new kind of stress. As the coronavirus pandemic spreads, firefighters, police officers and medics continue to do their jobs. To protect themselves and others, they must constantly clean their uniforms, vehicles and equipment. Some reached out to Larry Thompson when their cleaning supplies ran low.
“During their shifts, they don’t have time to go out like a normal family does,” he said. Delaware Helping Warriors Outdoors has started buying and delivering supplies, like hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and laundry detergent, free of charge.