After years of service to the communities of Minden and Dubberly, firefighter Ronnie Chreene and his wife Mary are rebuilding their lives after personal tragedy.
The couple lost their home on Jack Martin Road after flames engulfed the structure on Saturday.
Chreene, who is Captain of the Minden Fire Department and Chief of the Dubberly Fire Department, and his wife were not at home when the blaze destroyed their home.
“They lost their home and almost all of their belongings in the blaze,†said Minden fire chief Kip Mourad. “They are shocked and saddened by the tragedy. They have often helped so many others when fire destroyed homes and property and now is the time to help them, if possible.
Responders were able to save some personal items, but the Chreenes’ pet did not survive.
“These are not the kind of people who find it easy to ask for help,†Mourad said. “They have never been on ‘this side’ of a fire tragedy. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
The couple said the wave of community support has been overwhelming.
“We cannot express enough the support we have received from everyone,†said Mary.
Among the things the couple identified as most in need, prayer was their top request.
They have received offers of furniture and other items that they are not yet ready to accept due to their current living conditions as they await the conclusion of insurance claims and other proceedings.
The determined duo plan to beautify a camper during the interim.
While the couple are sad to see the 15-year-old family home go missing, they feel fortunate that no one was home at the time of the fire.
“It could have been a lot worse than it was,†said Mary. “We are counting our blessings.”
Ronnie, who has been the victim of hundreds of fires over his 27-year career, said he has always had compassion for those who have suffered loss as a result of a fire.
“Now I see it in a whole different light,†he said. “I know how they feel.”
The Chreenes praised the emergency services and said the firefighters had worked harder than necessary.
“I could just stand there and watch… They worked so hard to save everything they could,†Ronnie said. “I can’t thank them enough. They did a great job. “
The Chreenes said they felt weird receiving help, but planned to pay it back as soon as possible.
“The people have been so wonderful,†said Mary. “For all the calls, thoughts, prayers, gift cards, money,… we are so overwhelmed and we are so grateful.”
Ronnie said he is putting his faith in God during this time of crisis and quoted Romans 8:28.
“All things work together for good,†he said. “This situation is temporary.
Monetary donations can be deposited on behalf of Ronnie and Mary Chreene at MBL Bank.
