By Brian Graves
The Anniston Star
OXFORD, Ala. — Police officer Matthew Cheek serves both his country and community, and now members of the community he serves hope to help him and his family during a rough time.
Matthew, his wife, Mai, and their sons Miles and Milo — a third child is expected — suffered the total loss of their White Plains home after a fire on Sunday. The family’s vehicle was also lost in the blaze.
Cheek not only serves with the Oxford Police Department, he also is a member of the Emergency Services Unit and an active member of the Alabama Air National Guard.
“We are attempting to raise money to help bridge the gap between losing their home and being displaced until they buy a new house,” said GoFundMe regional spokesperson Claudia Curiel. “With two young sons and a child on the way, any help would be appreciated in their time of need.”
More than 170 contributions had been made to the fund within 48 hours, raising $17,585 as of Tuesday afternoon.
“My wife and I have been overwhelmed in a good way with all the support we have received so far,” Cheek said in a statement to The Anniston Star on Tuesday afternoon. “We can’t put into words how much we appreciate what the community has done for us.”
“Officer Cheek is an outstanding young man and an outstanding officer for this community,” said Oxford police Chief Bill Partridge in a statement to The Star on Monday morning. “It breaks my heart to know he and his family have lost everything due to this fire. Our community has certainly stepped up to assist him and his family.”
Click here to view the GoFundMe page and to donate.
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