CROWLEY, Texas — For a living, Jesus Flores helps people in some of their worst moments. The former Marine is currently a Fort Worth Police Officer. He’s helped others and now, they’re helping him.
“It’s surreal,” Flores said. “This the stuff that you can never plan for."
On Monday morning just before 5:30, the Crowley Fire Department said Flores’ home was struck by lightning which caused a fire.
Flores said he heard a loud boom. When he checked, he saw a large cloud of black smoke coming from the ceiling. Flores said he and his wife were able to get their 9-year-old and eight-month-old sons out of the home safely.
Days later, he still can’t comprehend what happened.
“There’s still smoke and moisture damage and now mold. It’s been like this for three days,” said Flores.
“It just hits completely different whenever it’s…. your family,” he said.
Flores said they lost everything in the fire. He and his family are staying with other family members.
But his brothers and sisters in blue decided to step in.
Commander Antione Williams said other officers were putting together some supplies to give to Flores and his family.
He created a GoFundMe, which on Thursday, had already reached more than $18,000.
"He was able to salvage one uniform, and he came to work,” said Williams. “This wasn’t a house fire that started by something catching fire in the house, this was an act of God. It’s an act of God and I think it’s bringing us close together,” said Williams.
Flores said he and his wife are taken aback by the amount of support they’ve received from the community.
"Words cannot explain or describe how my family and I are grateful,” said Flores. "All the support has definitely given us a reason to keep fighting.”