Jun 23

Jun 23 Couple finds hope and compassion after fire

On Tuesday, June 15 at approximately 4:30 p.m., firefighters from the A-RC-H Fire and Rescue Department responded to a 911 call for a house fire at 222 Reedy Creek School Dr.

The emergency call was made by Cody Michael, 28, who rented the home with his fiancée, Taylor Johnson, 22. Michael recalled he had just gotten home work, from Lexington Healthcare where he is the maintenance director, and was about to lie down for a nap when he smelled smoke. It didn't take but a moment for him to discover that the car, a 2009 Mini Cooper, he had just driven was engulfed in flames in his carport. Tim James, chief of A-RC-H Fire and Rescue, said when they arrived, the heavy fire had already spread from the carport to the house. According to James, the fire was contained within a half an hour. However, the home sustained significant damage and was deemed a total loss.

{Photo Credit: Brooke Maners/Davidson Local}

Although thankful no one was injured, this tragedy left Michael and Johnson homeless, with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Michael said , “It was extremely emotional. We lost everything in an instant. We had to go to Wal-Mart at ten o’clock that night, just so we would have clothes to wear to work the next day.”

When asked about the way the fire started, Michael explained his Mini Cooper had been in the shop for the past eight months, due to electrical problems. He had gotten the car back, supposedly fixed of course, the day before the fire ignited due to the car's electrical system. However, the mechanic is said to be on vacation and currently unavailable to comment.

Michael shared he unfortunately only had liability insurance on the car, coupled with a personal loan he will still be responsible for paying. The couple did not have renter’s insurance.

Word spread quickly regarding the tragedy, much the way it often does in small communities. Ron VanLandingham’s daughter, Lori Love, lives in the same neighborhood where the incident occurred; they began gathering information from the young couple to find out their needs. Once they had details, VanLandingham said he immediately knew who to call for help.

Exactly one week after the fire, Tuesday, June 22, at 7 a.m., VanLandingham called Jimmy Davis and Robert Miller with C.I.A - Compassion Inspiring Action, a nonprofit organization committed to helping those in need in the community.

Within a few hours, in the driveway of what they had called home for more than five months, stood the young couple, Michael and Johnson, with VanLandingham, Davis, Miller and the charred remains of a home. There, Davis and Miller, founders of C.I.A. presented the couple with a $1000 check to help get them back on their feet.

When asked why C.I.A. founders do what they do for the community, Davis simply pointed to the back of Miller’s official C.I.A. shirt. It reads “Never look down on someone unless you're reaching down to help them up.” Davis and Miller refuse to accept any recognition for their work. Davis offered, “We’re just the delivery guys and mouthpiece. It’s the citizens in Davidson County who are amazing.” However, it doesn’t take but a glance at the organization to see the heart of these two men dedicated to helping anyone in the community who needs it. Recently, on Facebook, Davis and Miller have been in competition with one another. Miller’s birthday is June 23, Davis’ is June 25. They each were asking for “birthday donations” to raise funds for C.I.A. missions. Collectively, they raised approximately $1000 from the generous Davidson County citizens to whom Davis and Miller often refer, which is ultimately how the money was raised to donate to Michael and Johnson.

Johnson stated they are so thankful for the donations. It will go towards clothes, shoes, gas and hopefully assist in buying a new home. Currently, the couple is living with Johnson’s brother. They accredit family and friends for being there for them during this time. But, with the couple planning to get married on October 23, they hope to be able to put the heartbreaking event behind them and start a new life together in a home of their own.

Responding agencies included A-RC-H Fire and Rescue, Reeds Fire Department, Welcome Fire Department, Griffith Fire Department, Davidson County EMS, Davidson County Sheriff’s Office and the Davidson County Fire Marshal.

For information about Compassion Inspiring Action, visit www.facebook.com/compassionnc

To make donations to C.I.A. on Paypal: compassioninspiringaction@gmail.com

Cashapp: CompassionInc