RECOVERY FROM DISASTER
At a time when many would be complaining about a fire that destroyed his home on Amanda Drive, the only words coming from a retired military veteran are thanks and praise for first responders and members of the community who have stepped up to help.
Rick Tipton was in his back yard with his granddaughter when his wife Ann ran outside a few minutes after 4 p.m., May 25, to tell him their house was on fire. Rick and Ann adopted their grandchildren Skylar and Chase, who are ages 7 and 13, three years ago following the death of their mother.
In a June 2 interview, Rick recalled that neighbor Keira Wooten called 911 reporting the fire after she knocked on their door alerting Ann of the fire. He said another neighbor, Dewey Skinner, brought over his garden hose and helped try to put out the fire prior to the arrival of the fire department.
“Our neighbors are great; they saved our lives,” Tipton said.
He said Chase was at ball practice when the fire happened. With the family accounted for, Tipton said his first thought was the fire started in a vent and grabbed the water hose to put it out.
It soon became evident that the water hoses were no match for the blaze that was already coming out of the roof. Two of their dogs were at the groomers, but he realized his dog Zeke was still in the house. Tipton then ran back into the house.
“I found him in my clothes closest. He’s 70 pounds. I couldn’t pick him up, so I had to drag him out of the house,” he said.
The homeowner suffered from smoke inhalation due to that rescue. He was treated for it at the scene by emergency services personnel but had to go the emergency room for treatment the following Sunday.
Tipton continues to undergo treatment for breathing issues but does not regret going back for Zeke. The dog is a Great Pyrenees and pit bull mix. Tipton rescued Zeke the first time about four years ago from owners who were not caring for him properly.
The dog had been hit by a car and had a leg injury. Tipton took him to the vet for treatment, and Zeke has been part of the family since.
Fire scene
It is believed that the fire started in a trash can that was sitting beside the garage.
The homeowner recalled that two Gray Police Officers were the first to arrive at the scene of the housefire, followed by a fire truck driven by John Wood, who immediately started pulling hoses. In addition to being a volunteer firefighter, Wood is also a Jones County Commissioner.
Tipton said two more fire engines and Gray Fire Department personnel arrived soon after, and the blaze was brought under control. Tipton said he realized early on that his house was a total loss. He said the role of the firefighters at that point was to keep the flames from spreading to neighbors’ homes.
Despite that, one of the homes next door did receive damage in the form of melted siding.
Tipton said he is normally in the role of helping others, and he is humbled by the kindness his family has been shown since the fire. He and Ann have tried to keep life as close as possible to normal for Skylar and Chase, who both love playing ball.
He said the kids were worried about their ball equipment. He said Chase plays travel ball, and his coach bought him new cleats and turf shoes so he could play in Saturday’s game. Skylar plays rec ball and had just received her uniform. Her team made sure she had a new uniform for the upcoming game.
“Ball families are close,” he commented.
Tipton said he appreciated the support he received from Gray City Council member Terry Favors and Mayor Pro Tem James Collins who came to the scene. He said he received a call from Jones County Commissioner Sam Kitchens, and Emergency Management Director and Jones County Fire Chief Don Graham was at the scene to assist.
“It all happened so quick,” the homeowner recalled. “Everyone went above and beyond. I want to thank all the first responders, my neighbors and friends; just everybody.”
He said Gray Fire Chief Keith Eisele connected the family with the Red Cross from the scene the night of the fire.
Tipton said Sherri Rollins gave the family the use of a vacant rental property under renovation for the first few nights. He said fortunately one of the properties he manages became available, and his family would be moving into that until their home can be rebuilt.
The homeowner said his insurance company and agent have been responsive, and rental furniture would soon be arriving at the property. He said he is appreciative of all the kindness the family has received, but they are doing fine.
Difficult loss
Tipton said the family lost everything in the fire, but no one was injured. Most of what was lost are clothes and furniture that can be replaced. He said the thing that hurt him the most was the loss of his military medals that were in a display case with an American flag. Those cannot be replaced.
The veteran retired from a 20-year career of military service in 1992. He served three years in the Army as a military policeman and 17 years in the Navy Intelligence Community, retiring as the Caribbean Regional Operations Centers Deputy Director for Command, Control, Communications and Computers.
This reporter has knowledge of that information due to the Tipton’s attempts to serve the community as an elected official. His service included four tours of duty in Vietnam and the Middle East. As a result of that service, he is considered 100 percent disabled for PTSD by the VA. That fact brings the story back to Zeke, who is currently being trained to become the veteran’s service dog.
Tipton said it may seem odd, but he has had some the best days in a long time since the fire happened.
“I’m always good in a crisis. It’s when everything is calm that I get into trouble,” he noted.
