First Responder's Pets Killed, Family Displaced After House Fire

EAST HAVEN, CT — They lost their home. They lost their beloved family pets, two dogs, their cats and a rabbit; one dog was resuscitated by firefighters and is fighting for its life.

But this fire captain and his family were not home thankfully when East Haven firefighters arrived and knocked the fire down. The family are okay; they have each other. But the loss of their pets, and their house is a "devastating loss."

A GoFundMe has been created for Robert Savarese and his family, Kasey Mezeiski and their two young children, by his "brothers," fellow firefighters.

Savarese is a fire captain at Electric Boat Fire Department, he volunteers at East Haven Fire Company 4, was an EMT with the North Branford Fire Department Co. 4 and EMT for American Medical Response. Savarese is a first responder, who folks from Groton to East Haven undoubtedly have some degree of separation from as a first line emergency services man. You may have helped you or someone you know. And he needs help.

Savarese says in a Facebook post how grateful he and his family are for the immediate outpouring of support and love.

"We suffered a devastating loss," he writes. "House and items in it can be replaced. The animals can’t. "

On the GoFundMe, created by Justin Parker and his fellow firefighters in Groton, they write Savarese would "give anyone the shirt off his own back." They hope to raise money for housing, food, and clothing, after "this terrible event."

The fire

East Haven Fire Chief Matt Marcarelli said the call came in at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday that the basement in a raised ranch home was on fire on Windsor Street. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 15 minutes. The fire may have started in the basement. The house is not livable.

And while the family was safe, not all their pets survived. Tragically, two dogs an their cats and a rabbit perished. But firefighters were able to resuscitate one dog.

Marcarelli said he'll let Patch know who those heroes are.

GoFundMe to help

The GoFundMe for Savarese and his family has a goal of $20,000 set. As of Thursday morning, they were more than halfway there.

Fellow firefighter Parker wrote, "His brothers here at the Fire Department are raising funds to help purchase food, clothing, and housing for his family after this terrible event. Please consider donating or sharing. Thank you!"