Rahway Officer, Nurse Wife, Baby Left Homeless After Fire Destroys Home

RAHWAY, NJ — A Rahway police officer, his nurse wife, their 10-month-old baby, and their dog are homeless after a fire recently destroyed their home in Howell.

The fire happened on Saturday shortly before 2 p.m. on Dutch Valley Road, Howell Township police said.

Police found smoke billowing from the back of the house, and the family, including their dog, had evacuated and were not injured.

The fire left the family without a place to stay and wiped out their personal belongings, including essentials for their young child.

A GoFundMe fundraising website set up by the Rahway PBA states that the family is now in urgent need of temporary housing and financial help as they begin rebuilding.

"The emotional and financial impact of this loss is overwhelming, especially while caring for a baby — but together, we can help lighten that burden and show them the strength of their community," according to the PBA.

As of Tuesday, the fundraiser has already raised more than $100,000 of its $120,000 goal.

"This family has always been there to help others—both in their professional roles and as caring neighbors. Now, they are facing an unimaginable loss and need our support more than ever," according to the PBA.

Donations will go directly toward helping the family find a safe place to stay and replace what was lost in the fire.

For more information or to donate, visit gofundme.com/f/help-rahway-officer-nurse-baby-after-fire.

— With reporting by Karen Wall

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.