Lowe’s employees act quickly to help save property after lightning sparks a house fire across the street from delivery
Lowe’s delivery drivers J.C. Jennings and Nathan Brown weren’t expecting to be heroes when they were finishing up a routine delivery and trying to beat a rainstorm in Moses Lake, Washington.
“We saw that a bad storm was coming in and we were just trying to get in the truck and get on the road,” Jennings said. “We heard a huge boom and when we looked across the street, we realized the house was on fire.”
Lightning had struck the roof of a neighbor’s house and started an attic fire. While Jennings stayed with the customer and called 911, Brown immediately ran across the street to see if anyone was in the house. “We wanted to make sure no one was in the house,” Jennings said. “By the time the police arrived, Nathan was able to let them know the house was empty.”
The drivers were able to move a car blocking the driveway so emergency vehicles could gain access to the house. Their quick action likely helped save the house and the car from going up in flames.
Moses Lake Fire Chief Brett Bastian was grateful for the pair’s swift response. “These guys certainly went above and beyond,” Bastian said. “They had been told someone was possibly in the house, so their quick response ensured no one was in danger.”
Their heroic actions came as no surprise to Moses Lake Store Manager Jeremy Winn. “These guys always go above and beyond, so I wasn’t surprised they would help someone in need,” he said. “This isn’t the first time they have made a difference in a customer’s life.”
A few months earlier, Jennings and Brown arrived at a delivery to find out a customer’s wife had just passed away. They stayed and comforted the gentleman until emergency services arrived, so he wouldn’t have to wait alone. “These guys are always willing to go the extra mile,” Winn said. “I have received numerous customer calls on what a great job they do.”
For their quick action and genuine concern in saving the house, Jennings and Brown were recognized by the Moses Lake Fire Department and awarded Challenge coins, an honor the department gives to citizens for helping during a fire.
“We are a small fire department, and we rely on our community to let us know when something like this happens,” Bastian said. “They definitely stepped up, and we are grateful for their willingness to help.”
For Brown and Jennings, it was just another day on the job.
“J.C. and Nathan come in and give their best every day,” Winn said. “They have created a strong team culture and exemplify professionalism and compassion in all they do. We are proud to have them as part of the Lowe’s team.”
