NEWS

Hackettstown cop, family lose everything in house fire

Child clothing donations, gift cards sought

William Westhoven
@WWesthoven

The Hackettstown Police Department is rallying to the side of a town officer and his family who lost their home and possessions in a Monday morning fire.

Donations of clothing and gift cards are being sought to help Hackettstown police officer Jimmy Laoudis and his family, who lost their home and possessions in a house fire on Feb. 22, 2016.

Officer Jimmy Laoudis’s house caught fire while he and his family were sleeping. Laoudis, his wife, son and daughter escaped without injury, "but they lost everything in the blaze," according to a statement by Sgt. Darren Tynan.

The department has started a drive for donations to help the family. Immediate needs include clothing for the children, girls size 3T and boys size 5T.

Gift cards also are sought to help pay for additional needs.

Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hackettstown Police Department, 215 West Stiger St. Donations also can also be dropped off from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Hackettstown Municipal Building, also at 215 West Stiger St.

"Thank you for keeping them in your prayers and for any support you can provide them during this difficult  time," Tynan wrote.

Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-917-9242; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.