By Mike Steely

Senior Writer

steelym@knoxfocus.com

“It has been bothering us,” said Paullette Thomas speaking for herself and son, Daniel. The two own a business you hope you’ll never need but, during the coronavirus outbreak, recognized a need that they could fill.

They own and operate 911 Knoxville Biohazard Decontamination Service, a company that is hired to go into homes and businesses to clean up after unthinkable incidents. That includes trauma, accidents, crime scenes, hoarding, distressed property, vehicle clean up, infestations, biohazards, etc., and that can include coronavirus. The company is proud of its professional staff.

“We do that so a family can come back and live in the home. Sometimes it even includes removing the carpet,” Thomas said, explaining that she has 35 years of experience in the travel industry and her son is a five-year veteran of the emergency service and a volunteer with the Knox County Rescue Squad.

The two began talking recently about another overlooked tragedy, the overlooked elderly, and came up with a plan.

“Why don’t we get some flowers together?” Thomas recalls the initial brainstorming, adding, “We just wanted to do something.”

Thursday the company delivered roses and carnations to elderly individuals in assisted living and nursing homes. They called  ahead and met facility administrators at their door to deliver the flowers. Thomas said the flowers were purchased by the company and donated to senior citizens.

“You are not forgotten,” she said became their theme and they planned to visit 30 or so senior facilities last week.