By Police1 Staff
WATERFORD, Conn. — A community is looking to save Christmas for a local officer and his family.
Waterford Sgt. James Dimmock was on duty Thanksgiving when he received a call his home was on fire, The Day reported.
Dimmock’s German shepherd Tess died in the fire. The flames destroyed his home as well.
Just a month earlier, Dimmock’s father, Retired Lt. Donald Dimmock, passed away. He worked for many decades as an officer and firefighter.
Don Dimmock helped create and run the department’s accident investigation team, according to the department’s Facebook page.
A classmate of Dimmock’s daughters set up a GoFundMe to make sure the family felt supported during their time of unimaginable grief.
“I was heartbroken,” Brittany Nichols said.
Family friend Ken Hochstetler told the publication he hopes the money will help the family have a better holiday season.
“He [James] was like, you know you don’t have to do this, we’ll get through,” Hochstetler said. “I’m just hoping it gives them a merry Christmas.”