TR First Aid Squad Rallying To Help Captain, Family After Fire

TOMS RIVER, NJ — First responders are rallying to support one of their own after a fire destroyed the home of the Toms River First Aid Squad captain and her family on Thursday, killing pets and leaving them only the clothing they were wearing.

"Captain Alyssa Golembeski and her family have been serving Toms River's citizens since the summer of 2013, and dedicate their time volunteering for their community," Keith Rodriguez, first lieutenant of the Toms River First Aid Squad, wrote in a post on Facebook, where the squad shared a GoFundme campaign for the family.

Alyssa Golembeski shared the home with her sister, Ashley Hollingsworth, who the president-elect of the Toms River First Aid Squad and a firefighter with Toms River Fire Company 2; their mother, Christine Golembeski, who is an EMT and treasurer of the Toms River First Aid Squad; as well as her aunt, her grandmother, who is the squad chaplain, and an 11-year-old cousin, the Facebook post said. (RELATED: First Aid Squad Captain Rescued From Burning Toms River Home)

The fire started about 11 a.m. in the home on East Rolling Hills Court. Alyssa Golembeski, who was home at the time, was trapped in the basement of the house and rescued through a back window by first responders. She sustained superficial burns to her back and to the soles of her feet, Rodriguez said on the GoFundme.

The family's two beloved pet birds and a pet rabbit did not survive, and one of their dogs was still missing Thursday evening, the Facebook post said.

The aim of the GoFundme it to offset costs of immediate needs for clothing, toiletries, and other household items. They are hopeful homeowners insurance will cover the cost of rebuilding the house, he said.

The GoFundme page can be found here. Questions also can be posted to the first aid squad Facebook page.

Photo via GoFundme, a Patch promotional partner