ARIZONA NEWS

Phoenix Fire Department surprises woman for 100th birthday celebration

May 4, 2020, 2:40 PM

(Facebook Photo/Phoenix Fire Department)...

(Facebook Photo/Phoenix Fire Department)

(Facebook Photo/Phoenix Fire Department)

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Fire Department on Monday made a special house call to give a woman a proper 100th birthday celebration during the coronavirus outbreak.

Bea Markow was able to enjoy her centennial celebration after Phoenix Fire and family members surprised her at the assisted living facility she resides at near 19th Avenue and Bethany Home Road.

The celebration was highlighted by firefighters who used a ladder to meet Markow at her third-floor apartment while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

The firefighters gave Markow a customized fire helmet, balloons and other trinkets for her birthday.

“I’m just blown away by this whole event,” Paul Markow, Bea’s son, said. “The Phoenix Fire Department and the Palazzo did an unbelievable job.”

Paul Markow said the family was originally going to have his mother’s 100th birthday party at her residence and invite 100 people for the occasion.

Coronavirus ruined those plans and he hasn’t been able to see her since February as a result.

Markow, firefighters and other onlookers even joined in to sing happy birthday to Bea.

“It was a no-brainer for us,” Phoenix Fire Capt. Rob McDade said. “We’re excited to be out here today.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ali Vetnar contributed to this report.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Harrison Ward was arrested on April 18, 2024, for his alleged role in a fatal Gilbert crash. (Maric...

KTAR.com

Wrong-way driver arrested in Gilbert after fatal crash

A man was arrested in Gilbert on Thursday for his role in a fatal, early morning wrong-way crash, authorities said.

54 minutes ago

Follow @veenstra_david...

David Veenstra

Valley’s ultimate foodie festival returns this weekend with fried chicken, donuts and more

Prepare for a mouthwatering adventure as the Valley's ultimate global-inspired food festival is returning on Saturday to Peoria.

3 hours ago

Mugshot of Phoenix domestic violence suspect Emmanuel Maldonado, who was arrested Thursday, April 1...

KTAR.com

Phoenix domestic violence suspect tracked down, arrested after leaving scene with child

A Phoenix domestic violence suspect was arrested Thursday after allegedly assaulting his estranged wife and taking off with one of their children.

4 hours ago

A freeway sign on a poll says South Loop 101. Part of the southbound Loop 101 in Tempe will be clos...

Kevin Stone

East Valley closure tops list of metro Phoenix freeway restrictions this weekend

A full closure in the East Valley tops the list of metro Phoenix freeway restrictions this weekend.

5 hours ago

A conservative lawmaker, Austin Smith, halted his reelection campaign for the Arizona House of Repr...

Associated Press

Arizona GOP lawmaker drops reelection campaign after forgery allegations

Republican Arizona state Rep. Austin Smith halted his reelection campaign after being accused of forging signatures on his petitions.

7 hours ago

Arizonans should make sure their pets and livestock have up-to-date rabies vaccinations, health off...

Balin Overstolz McNair

Arizona wildlife officials warn about rabies threat as temperatures rise

Arizona wildlife officials are issuing a rabies warning as rising temperatures draw more animals out of hiding.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Here’s 1 way to ensure your family is drinking safe water

Water is maybe one of the most important resources in our lives, and especially if you have kids, you want them to have access to safe water.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

The 51st annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade is excitingly upon us

The 51st annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe is upon us! The attraction honors Arizona and the history of the game.

(KTAR News Graphic)...

Boys & Girls Clubs

KTAR launches online holiday auction benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

KTAR is teaming up with The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley for a holiday auction benefitting thousands of Valley kids.

Phoenix Fire Department surprises woman for 100th birthday celebration