Norwalk Rallies To Help Fire Victims

There are few things more devastating to a family than a fire that destroys their home. Everything they owned is gone. The house, clothing, pictures, and all the important documents to mark the past and are needed for the future, disappear. The only thing left are memories and the emotional wounds that may never heal.

and the fire department are trying to ease the pain for those who've experienced catastrophic fires. In 2009, they established the to assist families in their efforts to rebuild their lives. Three years later, the program is flourishing, helping more than 29 families in need.

"This is consistent with the mission of the fire department," said Norwalk . "When folks have to start from scratch, this will help them when they have lost so much. We want to make sure people have somewhere to turn when they've suffered such a tragic loss and don't have many resources."

The concept was the brain child of , deputy director of emergency management, who decided after seeing the house explosion on the Ohio Avenue extension three years ago, something had to be done to help families who've lost everything.

"I worked for the Red Cross for about 10 years before this job," said DeLuca. "I just felt that something like this was needed to help the victims recover."

State  (D-Norwalk) is fully behind the program and on Tuesday, presented the fire department with a check for $1,800, which came from donations at his recent open house.

"Hopefully, it gives the program a shot in the arm," said Duff. "We're here today because we want to bring publicity to the fund. We're trying to build it up and make sure there are funds available so if something devastating happens, people will be able to turn to the program in a time of need."

The job of the does not end when they extinguish a blaze. They make sure the victims are not forgotten about and go the extra mile to help them.

"This allows the fire department to more than we're already doing," said McCarthy. "Senator Duff has helped make sure the program has continued with the funds that have been raised."

Added McDuff, “Any time is a good time for folks to donate to this fund,” he said. “Tragic fires occur year-round, and so there is a corresponding need year-round. I urge residents and businesses to donate as well.”

For more about the Fire Victims Fund, please visit: http://www.norwalkct.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=821