January 29, 2001

PRESS RELEASE

To: Newsroom

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer

Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Fire Department Opens Account to Help Fire Victims

The Shreveport Fire Department and Hibernia National Bank have opened an account for the families of the January 21 fire on Ashton Street. The fire, which left the families with only the clothes on their backs, started in a front room of the home and quickly moved through the rest of the residence. Green and Gilliam said they lost everything they own, including the children’s clothing and Christmas presents. Since that time donations of clothing and toys have been steadily coming into the department’s Central Fire Station, while Ranchland in Bossier City donated school uniforms for the two oldest boys.

The fund is being set up because many individuals wanted the opportunity to contribute monetarily. Donations can be made at any local Hibernia branch under the following account number: # 8006012397. The money will be used to replace those material things lost in the fire. As in any case where the fire department sets up an account for a fire victim(s), fire department administration will oversee the dispersants of the account.

Tamora Gilliam and Sharonda Green received the fire department’s Civilian Cross Award from Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran last Thursday for their bravery in rescuing their five children from the fire.

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