A firefighter's tragedy met by friends' generosity

Friends of Cape Girardeau firefighter Tyler Grovenor have come together in an incredible display of support. After responding to emergency calls daily, rescuing people and property, who would imagine that Grovenor would find himself in the position of responding to a call that led him to his own house? That blaze not only destroyed his home, but took the life of his grandfather, 73-year-old Zeno Blattel, as well.

In the wake of that tragedy, Grovenor's St. Louis County friends started a GoFundMe account on his behalf. One of those friends wrote, "I never imagined I would ever have to create a GoFundMe, but I could not think of a better cause to create my first." He added, "Tyler would never ask for help or donations, but I will for him. He's been such a wonderful friend to me and this is the least I can do for him!"

His plea has apparently touched many because as of press time, the fund had collected $3,565 of the $4,000 goal in just 16 days.

Grovenor lost his home and almost all his belongings in that house fire, but those material things can be replaced, especially with the help of generous friends and a charitable community. What cannot be replaced is the grandfather about whom Grovenor said, "My grandfather was my best friend; he was my hero."

Upon first getting the call to a house on fire, Grovenor did not realize it was his own home, where he lived with Blattel to help with his ill grandmother until she died, and to help his grandfather through the grief that followed. When he saw the smoke engulfing the house, he knew from experience that, if inside, his grandfather was likely no longer alive. Still, in the courage so representative of our first responders, he kept it together and managed to perform his job.

Our hearts and prayers go out to Grovenor and his family, but we are inspired by his spirit and perseverance.

"This incident will not dictate my life," Grovenor recently told the Southeast Missourian. "We will rebuild and repair. I will be a better man and a better firefighter."

We encourage everyone who can contribute to do so by going to www.gofundme.com/Grovenor.