CLINTON COUNTY — A local fire chief, who is recovering from COVID-19, was brought to tears Sunday afternoon when his coworkers held a parade outside his home to show their support.
Michele Whipple told News Center 7′s Katy Andersen that her husband, Charles Whipple, was diagnosed with COVID-19 in mid-October. Whipple is the Fire Chief at Wester Chester Township’s Fire Department in Clinton County. Michele said her husband struggled with respiratory issues, fevers, and fatigue, and hasn’t been able to go to work for more than two weeks.
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“They did that because they love you,” Michele said to Charles as he cried. “They’ve been planning that for you.”
Sunday afternoon, as Whipple was sitting on his front porch, his coworkers surprised him by holding a parade along his street. Several fire trucks and ambulances turned on their lights and honked their horns as they drove by Whipple’s home. Michele filmed the parade and then her husband’s reaction.
Michele said she and her husband will forever cherish that moment.
Charles is looking forward to returning to work this week, but Michele said he will be on ‘light-duty’ because he has to build back his strength.