NETTIE, W.Va. — A running dryer most likely caused a fire that destroyed the family home of state Police Trooper Rick Wiseman in Nicholas County.
The home burned down in the early morning hours of March 12 in the community of Nettie.
Wiseman, his wife Brittany and their 18-month-old son were not home at the time of the fire, but the family did lose their Yorkie dog named Sarge.
Brittany Wiseman told MetroNews Tuesday it’s been a difficult week after losing everything they owned.
“We weren’t able to really salvage anything,” she said. “There was stuff on side that didn’t catch on fire like our lawnmower and kayaks, but unfortunately what the fire didn’t get inside, the water and smoke damaged or ruined it.”
The community has been donating clothes and other basic necessities since the fire.
“Honestly, we have all the necessities that we need. We just need lots of prayers that we can get up and go back on our feet sooner than later because it was hard to lose everything,” Wiseman said.
The toughest part for the family has been the loss of Sarge, especially for her husband.
“Sarge was mainly his puppy. I actually got him for him,” Wiseman said. “Stuff can be replaced even though it’s going to take time to do that, but losing Sarge was really hard on us.”
The West Virginia Troopers Association set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the Wiseman family in an effort to recoup their losses.
“I know that the goal was $10,000 and we have reached over that. We are very thankful and appreciative just to be a part of the trooper family. They have gone above and beyond for us, and we can’t thank them enough,” Wiseman said.
The GoFundMe page is available HERE. Donations can also be dropped off at the Clay County State Police Detachment on Big Otter Highway.
Wiseman said a benefit ride will take place on Saturday, March 30 at 11 a.m. in Sanderson.