Latest news with #ColesCo.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘They had just gotten the nursey together': Vermilion Co. family loses home in fire
VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — A family in Vermilion County is asking for help after a disastrous fire cost them their home. The fire happened this past Saturday in Bismarck at the Mortimore house, and thankfully, nobody was hurt. But it did cost a soon-to-be family of four all of their belongings. Now, they're reaching out to the community for help in rebuilding their lives. Illinois Red Cross asks for donations, provides safety tips as 'Giving Day' approaches The family said they've lost almost all their personal belongings. The fire also destroyed all the gifts they got from their baby shower… which was just two hours before the fire started. Now the family has a couple of months before the baby arrives to recreate their home. 'It's one of those things, like you never think it's going to happen to you, and then it does,' Blake Mortimore said. Devastation hit the Mortimore family on Saturday. A house fire turned their home and everything inside to ash. 'It was terrifying. We didn't really know what was going on. But then a pastor happened to pass by and saw it and came and got us all out,' Sarah Mortimore said. 'A never-ending job'; Danville officials, community leaders call for mentorship amid youth gun violence Sarah is seven months pregnant. She said her entire family — and their two dogs —were able to get out in time. But everything they bought or were gifted for the baby's arrival is now gone. 'We set up the nursery and got it all ready and were excited. And then, in a matter of an hour or two, it was gone,' Sarah said. Sarah's husband, Blake, said they are now looking to the community to help replace what has been lost, including clothes and other baby items. And with just two months until the due date, he said they need support now more than ever. Coles Co. woman pushing to create foster program for animals 'Getting so close. She's two months out, and baby's almost here, and everything's put together and ready to go. And then, before you blink your eyes, there's nothing left. So, pretty bad,' Blake said. The fire's cause is still under investigation. The family also said they will be working with insurance in the coming days to find out the next steps. To learn more on how to help, you can reach out to Sarah directly at SNolen7@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Decatur Fire Chief announces retirement
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The Decatur Fire Chief will retire exactly 30 years after starting his career with the department. On Monday, the City announced that Decatur Fire Chief Jeff Abbott will retire March 15. He first joined the department in 1995. In 1999, he rose in the ranks to become Lieutenant and was promoted to Fire Captain in 2006. The next year, Abbott was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief and in 2014, he was appointed to Fire Chief. UPDATE: Coroner ID's pedestrian killed in Coles Co. crash 'Jeff has 30 years of dedicated service with the majority being in a leadership position and he is going to be tough to replace,' Decatur City Manager Tim Gleason said. 'I wish him all the best in this next chapter of life.' According to the City of Decatur, some of Abbott's greatest accomplishments include the launch of Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD), adding Mobile Data Computers (MDCS) in the fire apparatus, the building of three new fire stations and the remodeling of four stations. Abbott was also recognized by the City for his efforts in leading cancer prevention efforts for firefighters. The City Manager will appoint a new Fire Chief 'in the near future,' according to the City. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
