by David Chapman
Staff Writer
More than 30 members of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department were on the scene Tuesday to help one of their own during a time of hardship. But, they weren’t putting out a fire.
The home of Sara Blue, mother of third-year firefighter Kevin Blue, was severely damaged in an August fire. But, with the help of Blue’s coworkers and Builders Care a new home is being erected.
“It’s overwhelming,” said Kevin Blue. “Today is really amazing, to see I’m a part of a group willing to dedicate their time, effort and talents to helping out a fellow firefighter.”
Both Blue and his mother grew up in the home and it’s been a part of the family for 60 years.
Sara Blue was home baby-sitting for Kevin’s daughter, Kaila, when it’s believed an air conditioner started the fire. No one was hurt, but the home was destroyed.
Members of Builders Care, a nonprofit entity of the Northeast Florida Builders Association with the mission of reducing substandard housing for low-income and elderly persons, were actually blocks away working on a community center when the fire broke out.
They rushed to assist with the fire. Later, officials with Builders Care decided to make the house into one of their many rebuilding projects.
Normally, the turnaround for a house can take some time, but the firefighters’ help has saved time — and expenses.
“They’ve been great,” said Julie Castine, Builders Care superintendent. “With their help, it’s saved what would have been thousands of dollars in labor costs and a lot of time.”
Randy Wyse, president of the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters Local 122 Union, was one of the many taking part in the construction efforts, but said the group effort was to be expected
“We take care of our own,” he said. “A lot of these guys have secondary jobs and have some carpentry and construction skills. But some others just wanted to come out and help however they could.
“We just hope to have her (Sara Blue) back in by Christmas.”
Sara Blue has been living with Kevin for the past several months and there has been a silver lining: she has been available to baby-sit easier while Kevin works and his wife, Marcella, fulfills her military duty in Iraq.
“It’s really works out,” he said.
Getting the home back, though, will be a special day not only for him — but for his mother, too.
“All the help, it’s definitely been a gratifying experience for her,” said Kevin Blue. “This is how willing people are to give a hand. It says and means a lot.”
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