build deck for resident in need By Terry Oparka TROY — Frances Stage wasn’t sure how she would cope when her husband, longtime Troy resident Lloyd Stage Jr., was released after a three-month hospital stay to recover from surgeries for a number of health problems. Lloyd, who is in a wheelchair, takes dialysis treatments three times a week. He served as a Troy volunteer firefighter at Station 3 for 10 years, worked for the Troy Department of Public Works for a number of years and has lived in the city his whole life. The Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center is named for Lloyd’s father, who was a founding member of the Troy Volunteer Firefighters. Frances had no idea how she would get her husband to his treatments from their home on Wattles, near Northfield Parkway. “I would have had to go to a nursing home,” Lloyd said. Former Troy Mayor Jeanne Stine knew about the Stages’ predicament and called Troy Assistant Fire Chief Joe McKay at Station 6 with the idea that a ramp and a deck on the back of the Stages’ house would allow the couple to stay in the home they’ve in lived for 18 years. “I know the Fire Department was not just about fighting fires, but also about community service,” Stine said. McKay enlisted the help of 20 active and retired firefighters, led by Fire Lt. Steve Gerard, who designed the ramp and deck, ordered the materials and supervised the construction at the Stages’ home Nov. 7. He returned to finish the railing by himself Nov. 8. Firefighters at all of the city’s fire stations donated funds for the project; they also participate in a number of charitable causes throughout the year. “It’s a great blessing,” Frances said. “We’re so appreciative. It’s unbelievable and exciting. It brought him to tears.” “He was overwhelmed we would do this for them,” McKay said. Lloyd enjoys taking fresh air on the new deck, Frances said. “He loves the outdoors.” “I’m very grateful,” Lloyd said. “It was a great gesture.” You can reach Staff Writer Terry Oparka at toparka@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1054.
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