By Police1 Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — An Army veteran had an unforgettable birthday thanks to a Massachusetts police officer.
Several months ago, Pittsfield Officer Darren Derby walked into the First United Methodist Church where he first met Bill McCarthy, News 10 reports. McCarthy is a veteran of the Army who lost his leg due to a medical condition that was unrelated to his service.
Derby described McCarthy as a “very likeable” and “very selfless” person. When the veteran’s old motorized wheelchair broke down a while ago, the church initially thought about putting together a fundraiser for McCarthy.
A few days ago I posted on my personal page a request for a motorized wheel chair. I was looking for one after finding out a gentleman from the morning breakfast I have been attending was in need because his broke. This was not just any gentleman. Billy is an Army Veteran who served his country proudly. Unfortunately Billy had to have one leg amputated due to health reasons not related to his service. Billy, for his own personal reasons, does not seek assistance through the VA therefore does not have access to benefits he is entitled to, such as access to a safe and properly working motorized chair. Today was Billy’s 60th Birthday and we had a surprise for him! Without knowing, his fellow church members and I went on a mission and thanks to many of my friends and followers who immediately responded, we had not one but 3 chairs that were ready to be donated.????#staycommited #getoutofyourcruiser #communitymatters #communitysupport #bekindtooneanother #goodgoesround #randomactsofkindness #lovenothate #selfless #deserving #veteran #smilemore #laughmore #armyveteran #surprise #birthdayboy #togetherwecan
Posted by Officer Darren Derby on Monday, April 9, 2018
“We put our heads together and we decided that we wanted to do a fundraiser, but we also knew we had to be quiet about it because he’s not going to be overly receptive,” Ella Deane with the First United Methodist Church said.
But Derby said he would take care of it. The officer went on to Facebook for help getting a chair for McCarthy.
On Sunday, Derby delivered a brand new wheelchair for McCarthy’s 60th birthday. The veteran said he was grateful for the gift.
“It’s given me my freedom back,” McCarthy said.