Firefighters Build Wheelchair Ramp After Thief Leaves Woman Trapped At Home

LOS ANGELES, CA — What began as a routine public assist call turned into an after-hours construction project for a Los Angeles Fire Department crew after firefighters learned a woman had been trapped inside her home for days.

The resident, who uses a motorized wheelchair, had recently had her wheelchair ramp stolen, leaving concrete entryway steps between her and the outside world, according to the LAFD.

Engine 94, which serves the Crenshaw and Baldwin Hills area, responded to a home in a neighboring district in early September and quickly decided a temporary solution wasn't enough.

Capt. Jack Baham bought lumber and hardware from a local store, while Firefighter Adam Corcuera led members of Task Force 94 in measuring, cutting and assembling a custom wooden ramp at the fire station, according to the LAFD.

The firefighters returned to the woman's home that night and installed the ramp over the concrete steps. They then tested its slope and stability using a motorized wheelchair before turning it over to the resident.

The finished project restored the woman's ability to safely enter and leave her own home.

Some of the power tools used to build the ramp were donated through the Los Angeles Fire Foundation, which supports LAFD operations and community service projects across the city.