ELYSIAN FIELDS, Texas – The Elysian Fields Volunteer Fire Department is asking the community to support one of its own after a devastating crash left a longtime firefighter's family displaced and facing significant expenses.
Fire officials say longtime volunteer firefighters Clint and Suzie Mathews were forced from their home after an alleged drunk driver crashed into the couple's house over the weekend.
According to Elysian Fields Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robert Bryan, the couple and their guests were inside the home when they heard tires screeching outside moments before the vehicle slammed into the house.
"They were actually in the house, in the living room with company. And Susie heard screeching tires and she told everyone to run. And not even a few seconds later, they had just got out of the living room when he hit the house," Bryan said.
The crash caused extensive structural damage to the home and forced the family to find another place to stay.
In addition to the damage to the house, two family vehicles were heavily damaged, including Clint Mathews' work vehicle and their son's truck.
Bryan said the incident has turned the family's life upside down.
"They're just working folks, like the rest of us. And in a moment, a flash, all their dreams and hopes of owning property and a home were taken away for a year or two due to somebody's careless decision," he said.
For years, the Mathews family has served the Elysian Fields community, responding to emergencies and helping neighbors in need. Now, fellow firefighters are asking residents to return that support as the family begins the long process of rebuilding.
"There are going to be unexpected expenses that they're running into and possibly legal fees. So, we're going to rally around them. We're going to try to lift them up in prayer and support and any monetary support we can get them to help them through this time," Bryan said.
Bryan said the response from the community has already been encouraging, but additional support will be needed in the months ahead.
"Every one of us has a servant's heart and we're just rallying around them. We're trying to lift them up. And it means a lot that people hear this and try to help with any extent they can. We've all been in those situations and we're just trying to help them out," he said.
Community members interested in donating or supporting the Mathews family can find more information on the Elysian Fields Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page.