SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (SNN) — A home that was destroyed by a fire on Monday belonged to North Port Officer Dominick Caravella and his family. Two of their dogs were killed and two cats are still missing.
The police department and the community are working together to help support the Caravella family during this time.
“Usually, we are responding to other people for help and fires and emergencies, and when we were responding to this one it really struck home. We have over $12,000 we’ve raised in about 36 hours,” said President of the North Port Police Officers Association Joseph Fussell.
Flames took over the Caravella’s home after a heat lamp keeping baby chicks warm came in contact with combustible materials, according to the police department.
“The damage is catastrophic. That night they were out of the house, and they can’t return to their house until it’s fixed or rebuilt,” said Fussell.
Local business owner Joe Galewski said it was important to him to help the family after all Officer Caravella has done for the community.
“It’s just a tragic, tragic situation and, you know, how can we help this individual? You know, this officer who does so much for the community. We just found out that his wife is, I believe, 14 weeks pregnant. And for something like this to happen to a young family, and someone who goes out and they’re protecting us, it’s just important to give back,” said Galewski, who owns Avalon Insurance Group.
The Police Officers Association created a fundraising campaign to help raise money for the Caravella family.
“This officer, he’s got a heart of gold. He’s the first one to respond and help other people out and he’s the last one to ask for help,” said Fussell. “As a matter of fact, he pushes back on the help that we try to give him. He’s so generous and warm hearted, and a lot of these guys aren’t used to having people stand up for them.”
You can donate to the Caravella family on RallyUp.
