Family Loses Everything In Fire, Middletown Police Rally Support

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The Middletown Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance with helping a family who recently lost everything in a fire.

The family — Nicole (mom), Aref (dad) and Zane (10-year-old son) — barely escaped a condominium fire on College Street on Feb. 25, according to police. Zane’s cat was saved, but his rabbit died in the fire, police said.

The fire was ruled accidental by the Middletown Fire Department.

“This family has hit rock bottom, less than a month earlier they were displaced from their multi-family house when the 1st floor tenant left incense unattended causing a structure fire,” police wrote in a post on Facebook. “We here at MPD know how amazing the residents of this city are. So we decided to seek the public’s help in providing assistance. We are looking to collect cash and gift cards to be used to purchase food, clothing, personal items, toys, and cover any other expenses.

“We have set up a secure collection bin in the lobby of the police department. Please place the donations in an envelope and deposit into the bin.”

Police also said if there’s anyone who would like to part with a PlayStation 4, Zane “would really like a replacement!”

Anyone wishing to mail a donation, can send them to the Middletown Police Department, 222 Main St., Middletown to the attention of Officer Jay Bodell or Animal Control Officer Gail Petras.

For more information, visit the police department’s Facebook page here.