Dallas community rallies to support retired fire captain after devastating house fire

(QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Dallas community is coming together to support one of their own after a devastating fire left a beloved retired firefighter and his family without a home.

Retired Captain Darrell Dodd, a veteran of the Dallas Fire Department with 23 years of service, lost his home this week in a fire that tore through the Park Place neighborhood, on what was reported to be one of the hottest days of the year.

According to the Town of Dallas Fire Department, firefighters responded to the scene after spotting a large column of smoke. Crews battled the flames, but the fire had already caused significant damage to the home.

Dodd, along with his wife and four children, including their youngest, who has Down syndrome, are now trying to piece their lives back together, according to those close to the family.

A GoFundMe page has been launched by Chris Snipes, a close friend and former Dallas firefighter, to help the Dodd family during this difficult time.

“Darrell also served the community as a baseball coach for over 25 years. If any person deserves help, it’s this family,” Snipes shared.

As of Friday, the fundraiser has already brought in more than $3,500 from close to 70 donations.

The cause of the large house fire remains under investigation.