After a fire destroyed his house and everything he owned, Covington police Officer Chris Smith said Friday that the support he and his family have received has been overwhelming.

“Every time we turn around,” he said, “we have somebody pat us on the back and tell us it’s OK.”

Smith said he doesn’t know what caused the Wednesday morning blaze, which started around the fireplace. Smith, his 19-year-old daughter and his 7-year-old son were able to get out of the house, but only with the clothes on their backs.

Shortly after the fire, the Covington Police Department made pleas for clothes and money on its Facebook page.

Smith, who has been staying with the relative of a police officer since Wednesday’s fire, said the community has donated so much clothing, he and his family probably have more than enough at this time.

“I just hope one day we can repay them the same way that they have helped us,” he said.

If you would like to help the Smith family, the department will continue to accept clothing and monetary donations at police headquarters, 1143 Oak St. SE.

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