Shopper Pays It Forward to Fry’s security guard in Phoenix
PHOENIX AZ December 30 2018 Denise Lawless-Degley is a loyal shopper who only gets her groceries at the Phoenix’s Fry’s Food Store near Cave Creek and Hatcher roads.
And there’s a reason she keeps coming back.
The security guard who works at the store.
“He’s definitely more than just a security guard,” said Lawless-Degley. “He does say hello, and if he’s not right at front door, he’s helping somebody, either a customer or workers.”
Security guard Lee Blake’s comfort and kindness hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“They feel like I can talk to this guy and tell him anything,” said Blake.
While some security guards seem to just stand around, Blake is always on the move, walking through aisles, looking for suspicious activity or meeting and greeting customers as they walk in.
“I like the public,” said Blake. “I like reacting with the public. I like talking to people. I like making them feel comfortable.”
Shoppers insist that Blake makes them feel safe, and his warm smile puts them in a good mood every time they walk in.
Lawless-Degley reached out to CBS 5 to Pay It Forward to the security guard making a difference every day.
“I wanted him to know that his work is really appreciated by customers,” said Lawless-Degley.
A CBS 5 news crew tagged along and followed the loyal Fry’s shopper into the store where she presented Blake with $500.
“I feel so strongly about the way you make us feel safe here at Frys,” said Lawless-Degley. “I got in contact with Channel 5 because they have a program called Pay It Forward, so I wanted to Pay It Forward to you for helping us and the people in this neighborhood.”
“I think it’s very important to make people feel comfortable and to shop at this store, and come back to the store and protect them,” said Blake.
“He excites me because he is such a good person and does such a great job,” said Lawless-Degley.
3TV/CBS 5
