PINEVILLE, N.C. – It was an emotional day across the Charlotte area, as firefighters received a special delivery in honor of fallen Pineville firefighter Richard Sheltra.
On what would have been Sheltra’s 21st birthday, Sheltra’s sister delivered cookies to firefighters across Charlotte, thanking them for their service to the local community.
“I just want you to know that we are overwhelmed with joy and I hope that you guys have felt the love from the community like our family has,” Tyler Sheltra said.
Richard’s favorite treat was chocolate chip cookies, so it only seemed appropriate to hand deliver the extra special treats to his brothers in the firefighting community.
“We couldn’t keep chocolate chip cookies in the house,” Sheltra said. “I mean, he was a cookie monster!”
Richard died due to smoke inhalation while battling a fire about a month ago.
“Every day you make a choice when you walk out your door,” Tyler said. “Sometimes it’s a life or death decision, and sometimes a lot of people forget that.”
Effective immediately: Pineville Engine 3 is officially retired. Pineville Engine 73 is in now service #PVFD73 pic.twitter.com/gWgfcmkXuN
— Pineville Fire Dept. (@PinevilleFire) June 2, 2016
Still, Tyler couldn’t help but smile on what was one of her most difficult days.
“In a day that we probably would be sad or just sitting around talking about Richard, we’re able to spread his legacy and give thanks, and that’s what it’s all about” she said.
Fire departments across the country shared their brotherhood with Richard, using #CookiesForRichard.
As a special tribute to Sheltra and his family, the Pineville Volunteer Fire Department retired Engine Number 3 Thursday, renumbering it as Pineville Engine 73, honoring the community hero.
We surprised the Sheltra family by retiring E3 & renumbering it to E73. Now it's time for a Birthday party!#PVFD73 pic.twitter.com/FIlvCIPQVb
— Pineville Fire Dept. (@PinevilleFire) June 2, 2016