(PCM) Twenty-three year old former morning manager of the McDonald’s store in Olean, NY, Heather Levia, has been fired from her position after she purchased breakfast for a group of firefighters from her community.
Levia was aware that the particular group of firefighters had been battling a blaze in sub-zero temperatures overnight and as a way to show her appreciation for their efforts, she took $83 of her own money, not the stores, and decided to buy them breakfast which consisted of 25 breakfast sandwiches and hash browns.
After the first group of firefighters had finished up, another group of firefighters showed up and ordered approximately $70 worth of food. Levia claims that she was under the impression that all first responders could be issued a free meal from time to time, however when she texted her manager to ask for approval to comp the food he told her no.
Levia then contacted McDonald’s corporate headquarters and was again told that they would not be able to comp the firefighters meals. After being turned down by both her manager and the corporate headquarters, she and her co-workers pulled together and purchased the additional breakfast meals out of their own pockets.
Once the firefighters discovered that Levia had paid for their meals out of her own pocket many were under the impression that the store had forced her to pick up their tab. They made several calls to complain that the situation was totally unfair to Levia.
When Levia returned to work for her next shift, she was told by her manager that she had “opened a bees nest” and was then fired with the reason being cited that she swore at her manager. Levia denies the swearing occurred and claimed she only said “This is freaking ridiculous”.
The firefighters are shocked by the amount of attention this situation is receiving and never expected Levia to pay for their meals, something they are truly grateful for, but are saddened to learn she lost her job over the entire ordeal. Levia has since received multiple job offers as this story continues to generate buzz.
The owner of the McDonald’s in Olean issued the following statement:
The Meyers Organization has always valued the employees who serve our customers every day. We likewise continue to be an ardent supporter of our police and fire departments, along with other first responders. They are always welcome in our restaurants, and we will continue to support them in the future.
We are aware that certain allegations have been made concerning the reasons for Heather Levia’s termination. Out of respect for Ms. Levia and her privacy, it would not be appropriate to comment in detail on the reasons she is no longer employed by our organization. Still, it should be pointed out that the allegations are absolutely not true. We would never penalize an employee for showing appropriate gratitude for the work of our firefighters.
The post McDonald’s Employee Fired For Buying Firefighers Breakfast also appeared on PCM Lifestyle.