Fundraiser for Greendale firefighter after house fire
FRANKLIN, Wis. - A Greendale firefighter continues to recover after a fire at his own home. He and his family were safe, but they lost everything.
A fundraiser for that firefighter, Lt. Mike Schmitt, and his family was held at Root River Center on Friday night, March 25.
"By the grace of god, I’m learning how to receive," Schmitt said.
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Schmitt is not used to needing help. As a firefighter, he's more comfortable being the giver. But on Valentine's Day, he was on duty when an unexpected call came in.
"When they gave me an address, I recognized it as my own address that I was going to for the fire," said Schmitt.
Greendale firefighter loses home in fire
Schmitt's wife, son and dog all made it out safe. By the time he and fire crews arrived, everything inside was destroyed.
"Now it is just essentially sorting through everything, sorting through the ashes," said Schmitt.
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Local businesses donated raffle items for Friday's fundraiser. Fellow firefighters sold bratwurst. The community showed up.
"The fire departments are pretty close-knit network of guys," said John Young, a retired Franklin firefighter. "Over the years you get to know each other like one of your own department members, so you want to come and help support."
Lt. Mike Schmitt
Schmitt said it is all overwhelming.
"It restores my faith in humanity," Schmitt said. "It’s more than I could have ever imagined that people would be that generous."
The Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin also set up an online fundraiser for the family.
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