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Ticket turns into life-changing help

What started as a bad day getting worse ended up being a life-changing blessing.

ST. LOUIS —  When police showed up at Jackie Brooks' house, it was bad timing.

"That was not a good day," said Brown.

But what started as a bad day getting worse ended up being a life-changing blessing.

"Initially this started out with one of our resident officers. Officer Chris Pignataro for the St. Louis County Police. I think he was here to give a ticket about a vehicle that was parked there," said Fire Chief Ken Corbin Black Jack Fire Protection. 

Life was coming down hard on Jackie and her family.

"I didn't give him attitude, I gave him frustration, like 'not today,'" Jackie said.

Officer Pignataro didn't write her a ticket. Instead, he lent her an ear. 

"When the lady explained that her husband came down with multiple sclerosis, and the only reason that vehicle was there was to sell it and get a van," said Corbin

The Brooks spent a lot of money on a powered wheelchair But they had no way to get it in or out of the house or transport it.

"Matter of fact he stops going outside because he couldn't get in my vehicle anymore," Jackie said about her husband.

"If there's a task ahead of us, we find a way to help somebody and we make it happen," said Luke Andert Firefighter.

So Wednesday they showed up.

"We had a variety of guys coming in on there off time, donating their time and materials," Andert said.

Corbin said this was just one of several wheelchair ramps they have built in the community at no cost. He said the money either comes from their community outreach funds or the firefighters raise the money themselves.

And four hours later, the job was done.

"I just want to say thank you for helping me so so much," said Lamar Brooks. "This is life-changing for me."

A change that is helping the whole family.

"Yea he can now watch me ride my bike with my friends," Lamar's daughter said.

And the firefighters didn't know this, but the day they picked to build the ramp was a special day for Lamar.

"It's my father's birthday," his daughter said.

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