Abel Parra has been working in the fire protection department as a customer service representative for 20 years, and in September his wheelchair-accessible delivery van broke down. PHOENIX – Phoenix fire department employees collect donations to buy a wheelchair-accessible van for a colleague whose vehicle broke down. Abel Parra has worked in the fire protection department as a customer service representative for 20 years. He’s had several cars over the years, but in 2011 he bought a 1984 Ford Econoline van with a wheelchair lift. Parra said he had fixed the van, but because of his age it would often cause him problems. The van would get him stranded or sweaty in the middle of summer if the air conditioning failed. “I put a lot of money into it, until recently I thought I had fixed a problem, but then the engine stopped,” Parra said. The van had to be retired in September. Since then, Parra has been using public transport to get around. Often times he takes a bus to the light rail and the light rail to work, which adds extra driving hours to his day. When Parra’s supervisor, LaNette McKinney, heard what had happened to his vehicle, she jumped in to help. McKinney linked up with jobs in the department that turned to auto dealerships to get him a new van through special programs. “The big problem we have is that nobody has an inventory. We can’t ask for help from some of these people and dealers who have these programs because they just don’t have inventory and won’t get one for him for a while, ”McKinney said. McKinney then reached out to GoFundMe and created an account to raise the money to buy a reliable used van for Parra, and a new one if possible. “He really deserved it and I am just grateful and grateful for any support we can get from everyone,” she added. The attention and care of his colleagues will be very important to Parra as he hopes to soon have a vehicle that will allow him to be mobile and independent. “I am blessed to work here, I am proud to work here,” said Parra. “You support me and obviously you care, I am grateful.” Up to Speed Keep up to date with the latest news and stories on YouTube channel 12 News. Subscribe today.
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