Crime & Safety

Cop Brings Elderly Couple Easter Dinner After Fire Destroys Theirs

Paramus Police Officer Michael Mordaga brought the couple a complete salmon dinner after an oven fire destroyed theirs.

PARAMUS, NJ — A borough police officer helped make Easter special for an elderly couple after a fire destroyed their dinner.

Firefighters responded to Becky DeGasperis' parents' home Easter sunday because their oven caught fire, leaving soot and ashes throughout the house and the couple with no Easter dinner.

Officer Mike Mordaga asked the couple, ages 88 and 90, who were shaken up and distraught, what they were making. He went out and got them a salmon dinner with side dishes. He even helped set it up for them.

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Mordaga called DeGasperis and explained what happened. He visited the family the next day to make sure they were alright. DeGasperis was there when he did.

"Mom was happy to give him another thank you hug as Dad stood next to her with tears in his eyes," DeGasperis said. "Heroic acts are sometimes the small ones of the heart. Such kindness and compassion."

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The Paramus Police Department said it was proud of Mordaga.

Mayor Richard LaBarbiera expressed his appreciation for what Mordaga did.

"Nothing makes me more proud to hear about borough employee, volunteer, resident, etc. who goes above and beyond to show compassion to a resident in their time of need," LaBarbiera said. "This is what makes Paramus so special."


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Photo via Pixabay

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