Fire Destroys Hatboro Police Officer's Home, Family Escapes

HATBORO, PA —A borough police officer's home caught fire Saturday and was destroyed, with the family losing everything, borough officials said.

Two fundraisers have been set up to help Sgt. Alex Bruckner and his family.

One is the Montgomery County Hero Fund where 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to the family. Click here to donate to that fund.

A GoFundMe page was created by Amanda Karns, who is organizing the fundraiser on behalf of Bruckner as well.

"We are sharing some very sad news," borough officials said Sunday. "One of our police officers, Sgt. Alex Bruckner, and his family suffered a terrible loss yesterday when their home caught fire and sadly was destroyed. Fortunately Sgt. Bruckner and his family and pet dog were able to escape. They have lost everything. Please keep the Bruckner Family in your thoughts and prayers while they recover from this."

Karns organized the fundraiser on behalf of her nephew.

The GoFundMe page has raised more than $30,000 of its $10,000 goal. Click here to donate to the fundraiser.

"He is usually the one helping others, however on Saturday, June 1st, Alex and Sarah Bruckner’s house (and Sarah’s mother attached in-law suite) rapidly burnt to the ground at 2 p.m. due to an electrical fire that started on their back deck. It took only 6 minutes for the entire house to be engulfed in flames and burn to the ground."

Karns said that everyone was home at the time of the fire and "are so fortunate that they were able to get out of the house safely."

She said that Sarah and Alex and their three young children stood and watched helplessly as they lost everything they owned in just minutes.

"It will take many months for them to rebuild their life after this devastating loss," Karns said. "This proud, hard-working family would never ask for help for themselves, but they need support. Any donation amount and/or prayers will be greatly appreciated."