DOTHAN, Ala. — The Exchange Center for Child Abuse Prevention is asking the community to support one of its own after Executive Assistant Joann and her family lost their home and nearly all of their belongings in a house fire Saturday morning.
According to The Exchange Center, Joann, her husband Jon and their family lost their home, two vehicles and both motorcycles in the fire. The nonprofit described Joann as “the heart behind so much of what we do,” saying she is often the first person visitors meet when they walk through the organization’s doors.
“If you’ve ever walked through the doors of The Exchange Center for Child Abuse Prevention, chances are you’ve been greeted by Jo’s warm smile, kind heart, and willingness to help,” the organization said. “She is so much more than our Executive Assistant, she is family.”
JoAnn-Executive Assistant at the Exchange Center and her Family lost everything in devastating Samson house fire.The fire occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. in the 900 block of Mixon Miller Road near Samson.
According to the Samson Volunteer Fire Department, firefighters could see a large column of heavy smoke from several miles away while responding. When crews arrived, about half of the home was fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters from the Samson and Flat Creek volunteer fire departments immediately began an aggressive attack to stop the fire from spreading to the rest of the residence. Additional personnel from the Coffee Springs Fire Department were requested because of the extreme heat and physically demanding conditions.
The fire department said crews remained on scene for nearly three hours before returning to service around 1:10 p.m.
Samson Rescue evaluated and treated several firefighters for heat-related issues both at the scene and after crews returned to the station.
“This incident serves as another reminder of the dedication of our volunteer firefighters, who leave their jobs, homes, and families to protect our community—often while working in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable,” the Samson Volunteer Fire Department said.
The Exchange Center said the family is now beginning the difficult process of rebuilding and is seeking donations of clothing and other immediate necessities.
Donations may be dropped off at The Exchange Center for Child Abuse Prevention during normal business hours. Those wishing to provide financial assistance may do so through Joann’s Venmo account, @jolego1028.
The organization also asked the community to keep Joann, Jon, Ari and everyone affected by the fire in their thoughts and prayers as they recover.
