One year after fire: Teachers at Mitchell School to visit firefighters, say thank you



RACINE (WITI) -- It's been one year ago since a massive fire tore through Mitchell School in Racine. Friday, students and staff say thank you in a special way to those who put their lives on the lines and stopped the flames.

Fire ripped through the elementary school’s gym on Thursday, February 27th, 2014 — causing the roof to collapse. Other parts of the school were damaged by smoke and water. As result of the fire, elementary students had to finished out the school year at the formerly vacant Wind Point Elementary School.

The building was almost unrecognizable in some places — the walls, nearby trees, and the inside of the gym was coated in ice. It was just one indication of how challenging the cold weather and wind was for firefighters. However, despite the added obstacles, firefighters were able to contain most of the damage to the gym and get it under control after about 3 hours.

It was a day the principle says he will never forget.

"That particular day was kind of a speechless day, I had never seen anything quite like that," said Soren Gajewki, Mitchell School principle.

"It was like the whole school melted down completely. I told my kids don't worry about it, everything is going to be back to normal," said Tom Hernandez, parent.

And it is, a year passing paints a much different picture as students and staff head to class. They say they're forever grateful to have their school back.

Baskets of goodies filled with home made treats and a card was delivered to firefighters across the Racine area who worked through sub-zero temperatures that night.

The treats are a symbolic thank you, to help firefighters a taste of home when they're away.

"Mitchell School is like our home away from home, and the firehouses are like the firefighter's home away from home," said Joan Schaeffer, Secretary at Mitchell School.

They brought over a giant card made by a bunch of teachers and students, signed by many of them, thanking the firefighters here for their hard work that day -- and the firefighters say they plan to hang it up here at the station.

But it's an unexpected gesture.

"We do things 365 days, and we do it because we love this job and because we want to help our community," said James Davis, with the South Shore Fire Department.

The moment is extra special as firefighter James Davis is Joan Schaefer's nephew -- he says knowing she worked hard at the school made saving it all, all the more important.

"It really does, it touches a special part of your heart," said Davis.

No one was hurt in the fire. It was ruled accidental. Fire officials say it was caused by material ignited between the ceiling and the roof. The gym saw the worst of the damage and has since been rebuilt along with a multi-purpose community room.

Repairs costs totaled about $1.8 million.



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