Bridgeport 9-1-1 dispatcher brings man Thanksgiving dinner after his was stolen

BRIDGEPORT, CT (WFSB) -

Bridgeport 911 dispatchers and a police officer spread some holiday cheer to a robbery victim on Thanksgiving Day after receiving an unusual call.

A man called Thursday morning to report that he was robbed at gunpoint while walking to a friend's house. The suspect took off with the holiday turkey and trimmings he was carrying, along with the man's wallet.

"At first I thought he was joking, but I could hear from his voice that he was serious," telecommunications operator Denny Viera said in a statement.

Viera wanted to help. She called a grocery store, but there were no turkeys left. Also, time was running out to cook a new turkey.

Viera and her coworkers chipped in and bought the victim and his friend food from Boston Market. Officer Daniel Mendez delivered the meals.

"When he gave them the meals, Danny said they were the happiest guys on earth," Viera said.

Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch released a statement on the actions of city dispatchers and a police officer.

"I can't say enough about the compassion and empathy shown by the men and woman who work in the 911 center. It's is a difficult job. When they answer the phone, usually they are speaking to someone in crisis. Denny did her job well, got police to the scene and then thought, "I want to do more." She and her colleagues rallied around this man and brightened his Thanksgiving," the statement read.