Fundraiser to help deputy who lost home

A fundraiser will be held Friday, Feb. 20, to help a Jackson County sheriff's deputy who lost his home during a fire this past week.

During an interview with WLOX-TV reporter Sylvia Hall, deputy Tommy Howard said he and his wife escaped with their lives through a window. He said they lost everything in the fire.

Howard, 72, is also assistant pastor at New Light Baptist Church in Vancleave.  

The fundraiser is expected to begin at 6 p.m. at the church on Burney Road.

Donations to help the family may be made to the Howard Family Fund at any branch of Hancock Bank.

Residents may call 826-3315 for information. 

Fire at in-law's home tough on chief

Sometimes the business of fighting fires gets personal.

Fire Chief Jimmy Green knows that all too well.  

On Jan. 11 he spent much of the night helping put out a blaze that destroyed the home of his wife's grandmother, Helen Parker, in Vancleave.

We all know that every house destroyed by fire belongs to someone's relative. Yet its seems a little tougher for those who protect and serve when the tragedy hits home, according to the fire chief. 

"It's hard when you're going through the house fightin' fire .... kicking your child's toys outta the way," Green told reporter Sylvia Hall at WLOX-TV 13 on Monday, Jan. 12.  

The family plans to rebuild the home that was on Gautier-Vancleave Road, the reporter said.

We salute you, Chief Jimmy Green, for your bravery in the face of family disaster and heartache.