Deputies Help Family After Fire

TAMPA, FL — A grandmother and her 11-year-old grandson lost everything they owned when a fire ripped through their Lake Magdalene apartment Sunday morning.

Some of those items, however, have since been replaced thanks to a trio of Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies that responded to the scene.

The fire at 13545 Little Park Drive, No. 103, was reported just before 9:45 a.m. When the fire was extinguished, deputies learned that Yllonda Diaz and Khalin Diaz, 11, had lost everything. Their apartment as a total loss and so were all their possessions.

Wanting to help the family in any way they could, Deputies Carlos Brito, Joshua Spear and Tanner Barnes pooled their own money to take the family shopping. That spree included the purchase of T-shirts, underwear, socks, school uniforms, a backpack and a shiny new bicycle for Khalin, the agency said.

Deputies also worked with Walmart and Publix to obtain gift cards to help the two out, the agency noted in an email to media. The Red Cross is also providing assistance.

Photos courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office