Southaven Police Officer’s House Burns While She’s On Patrol
Coldwater,Ms
By Toni Lepeska
Southaven police rallied around their fellow officer quickly after she lost her home and everything but the uniform on her back in a devastating fire.
Porcha Taylor, 27, was at work Wednesday the 11th when she learned of the fire at her Coldwater home in Tate County. Her two children, ages 7 and 12, were at school.
“We lost everything,” said Taylor, who is staying with relatives while insurance issues get worked out. “All of the priceless memories.”
Sgt. Darlen Dickson, Detective Sgt. Misha Kimbell, Officer Tiffany Byrd and two other female officers with Southaven established a Go Fund Me page for Taylor and her family. They’re encouraging the community to visit Taylor’s page at https://m.gofund.me/porcha-taylor-family-house-fire and donate to the family.
According to the page, $880 has already been raised.
“My co-workers and friends, they’ve been very helpful,” Taylor said. “I became a police officer to help people. That’s always been the goal. Normally I’m the one helping out. To be on the receiving end,” she said, feels odd.
Dickson said Taylor helped her one particular evening, so she was happy to return the favor.
“Now the tables are turned,” Dickson said. “I’m more than willing to help any way possible. Porcha is so used to helping. It’s really odd being a police officer … and being on the other side. She’s going to need help. It’s going to be a long road.”
Officers and friends quickly donated clothing and other items, but there’s nowhere to put tangible items now, so monetary donations are being requested.
“We’re thankful for anything,” Taylor said, “thoughts and prayers most definitely.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation, however, the family is suspicious of an electrical cause. A worker was at the house installing satellite Internet about an hour or so before the fire, Taylor said. Her sister, who also lived there, took a nap after the worker left.
The sister was awakened by the fire. She ran out of the house just as a neighbor, who’d seen smoke, approached. She was unable to rescue her puppy, who had hidden under a bed.
Editor’s Note:
This is a great opportunity for all of us citizens to help out the ones that protect us. Be it prayers or monetary…
