ALLOUEZ, WI (WTAQ) – Green Bay Metro firefighters took time out Thursday to give a big thank you to a 10-year-old girl who made a difference with her generosity.
Last Sunday, fire crews were battling a blaze in an Allouez neighborhood when Lauren Johnson made sure every firefighter there got free lemonade from her stand.
“They tried to pay and Lauren said no it’s on us…we want to show our appreciation for you,” said Adam Johnson, Lauren’s dad.
But it didn’t end there. Lauren found out later on about the tragic death of Lt. Michael Miller, and donated the proceeds from her lemonade stand to the fund set up to help Miller’s family. It was a total of $24.
Lauren even paid her respects to Miller during his procession on Monday.
“For a small child to do that, unbelievable,” said Lt. Chad Bronkhorst. “We didn’t know until after that she paid her respects to Lt. Miller, which is really a touching thing.”
Firefighters picked up Lauren in a ladder truck Thursday and took her to Zesty’s Frozen Custard in Allouez. Also part of her surprise gift, the stuffed animal that Lauren had be saving up for.
“Riding in the truck with her to Zesty’s we had a great conversation, just a lot of fun,” says Bronkhorst. “I’ll tell you what, her parents should be proud, they did a hell of a job raising their daughter.”
Adam Johnson says he’s extremely proud of Lauren, but also was touched by the outpouring of thanks by the Green Bay Metro Fire Department.
“They don’t get enough appreciation for what they do,” says Johnson. “For the little things that they do to make a 10-year-old smile, it touches the heart and is amazing for me.”
Inspired by Lauren Johnson, the owner of Zesty’s donated a $250 check to the same fund for Lt. Miller’s family.
“It comes completely as a shock to us,” says Bronkhorst. “Through this whole thing, the support we’ve gotten from the community has been unbelievable.”
