Cookies sent to fire departments to honor fallen firefighter on his birthday

PINEVILLE, N.C. — Richard Sheltra's loved ones said they've reached out to all 50 states, asking everyone to bring chocolate chip cookies to their local fire departments for his 21st birthday Thursday.

Sheltra was a volunteer firefighter with the Pineville Fire Department.

He died from smoke inhalation while battling a fire in April.

In honor of his birthday, his family is asking people across the country to bake cookies for their local heroes.

Craig Sheltra, the firefighter’s uncle, his wife and two boys came to Fire Station 20 on Nations Ford Road with boxes of cookies.

“He died doing what he loved to do,” Sheltra said. “I don't think he would've asked for any other way to go.”

Strangers came to the fire station in Pineville where the fallen firefighter volunteered.

“Our people get here at 7 o'clock in the morning,” Pineville Fire Chief Mike Gerin said. “That's when the shift changes and there were people here at 7 in the morning to deliver cookies.”

Chocolate Chip Cookies for breakfast. Happy Birthday Richard! #PVFD73

The Pineville Fire Department surprised Sheltra's family by retiring Engine 3 & renumbering it to Sheltra's number, 73.

Cox Media Group