Feb. 21--A longtime member of the McCutchanville Fire Department lost his home to a fire on Wednesday morning. Now his fellow firefighters are asking the community's help to get him and his family back on their feet.
McCutchanville Chief Duane Halsema said Jim "Woody" Woodard has served with the department for more than 25 years and is currently its senior engineer.
Woodard, his wife and three of the couple's grandchildren lived in a home on Whetstone Drive that was heavily damaged by Wednesday's fire. Halsema did not know the children's specific ages but said they are toddler twin boys and an elementary-aged girl.
"We're just trying to help him out as much as we possibly can," he said. "He and his family were raising three of his grandkids in that home. So there was five of them in that home (including) him and his wife."
The department is asking for clothing for all family members -- extra large men's shirts, size 40x32 men's pants, women's extra-large tops and size 10 pants. The children's sizes are 5-6 for the girl and 3 and 4T for the twin boys. Donations can be dropped off at the fire station located at 9219 Petersburg Road. For questions or more information, call 812-867-2847 Ext. 0.
Halsema said about 40 percent of the home was damaged by the fire itself and the rest of the residence suffered smoke and water damage. Halsema said the hope is to rebuild and for the family to eventually move back into the home. Halsema noted that the home belongs to Woodard's employer but said the family did not have insurance to cover their belongings inside the home that were destroyed. He said the Red Cross and the township trustee have also assisted the family.
"He and his wife lost everything they owned (that was) in their bedroom and their closet," Halsema said. "We're working on getting some of the kids' clothes cleaned. They're going to be in need of some household items, obviously once they back in."
An account has also been established in the family's name at any German American Bank location. A message asking for help for the family was posted on social media hours after the fire, and some contributions had already come in, Halsema said Thursday morning.
"We appreciate the community's outpouring of support already," he said.
Copyright 2014 - Evansville Courier & Press, Ind.
