Work days in East Chattanooga are generally busy for Officer Curtis Penny. The uniform and soaring temperatures create a recipe for a cumbersome day. Saturday was no different from most for Officer Penny except that his call for service went beyond his usual response.
On that particular day, Officer Penny answered a disorder prevention call at 2300 Wilson St. and assisted a man in getting his personal belongings from his ex-girlfriend’s house. While at the apartment of the ex-girlfriend, Deborah Gibson, Officer Penny was overwhelmed by the temperature of the apartment.
In talking with Ms. Gibson, he learned that she had only one box fan circulating air throughout the two-bedroom apartment. The temperature outside was already approaching the high 90s with an expected heat index of 100 degrees by midday.
Before Officer Penny left the apartment, he promised Ms. Gibson that he would return by the end of his shift with an air conditioner.
After leaving the call, Officer Penny sent out a message on Facebook asking friends for air units. Shortly after sending the message, he received a call from Sergeant Jack Sapp of the Collegedale Police Department saying that he had not one, but two air units that he would donate.
In between other calls for service, Officer Penny and Sergeant Sapp were able to coordinate delivery of those units to Ms. Gibson.
As promised, Officer Penny returned to the apartment with the air conditioners before the end of his shift.