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)
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.
Happy birthday Queen Bea! Bea Markow turned 100 years young today and got a #quarantinebirthday surprise from her family in @PHXFire’s ladder 20! They haven’t seen her since the beginning of February due to #COVIDー19. 😭💓🥳 #FeelGoodStory @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/7WVO23Lve0
— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) May 4, 2020
“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.
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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.
