GIRARD, Ohio - For more than 60 years, the Girard Fire Department has been fortunate enough to have a neighbor like Ann Daugherty.

Daugherty had been living next door to station 24 on East Liberty Street since the late 1950's, up until 2023. 

In time, although she didn't wear turnout gear, was instrumental in day-to-day operations at the fire department.

"I've known her my entire life. She was kind of like a second mother to me.", said Jay Barnhart

Barnhart, a firefighter and paramedic, knew Ann a lot longer than that.

"She was my boy scout leader when I was younger. When I started here--I just became close with the whole family.", Barnhart added.

Including Ann's daughter Carol Fackleman, who grew up in the home right next to the fire department, having a front row seat to such a unique relationship.

"She sent over boxes of pizza, big things of water and pop, and Kool-Aid, because of their closeness, and she was so worried about them all the time.", said Fackleman. 

Holidays, special occasions, you name it--she was there. Even after huge fires like the one at Metallico Metal Scrapyard two years ago. They could count on her, and she could count on them.

"If she got sick...she got pneumonia a couple of times, the firemen would literally take care of us. They would go grocery shopping and bring groceries to the house, and they would cook for us.", Fackleman explained.

Not all heroes wear capes, or turnout gear--but if you're lucky, you'll find one living right next door.