For the better part of almost four decades, Del Norte Sheriff Sergeant Gene McManus has been helping others. McManus has been protecting citizens of Del Norte, selflessly and without seeking recognition.Now, in the wake of the Kelly Fire, he humbly seeks community assistance which destroyed his home in Washington Flat, Gasquet.The ordeal began Wednesday, August 16. Keenly Aware of the growing fires perilously close to his home, Sgt. McManus safely removed his pets including the beloved family turtle and evacuated his family; he set up sprinklers and water system to hose down the home’s roof.#placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');Then, the home lost power. Initially believing his home would survive, McManus was met by a fire captain and the California Office of Emergency Services fire team who ordered his immediate evacuation. Fire-destroyed McManus family home courtesy photo That directive saved his life; he most assuredly would have perished in the ensuing moments as he observed 30’ fire flames racing toward his home, suckling up oxygen in every direction.McManus describes the fire’s insatiable appetite for fuel sounding like a massive turbine engine at full strength mode. Four other homes in the area immediately north-east of the McManus home survived the monster fire. Sadly, McManus’ home was not so fortunate.The Gene McManus family needs everything to rebuild the home. Your monetary contributions will go directly to helping this family get back on its feet. In the meantime, McManus and family have located temporary housing. Fire-destroyed McManus family home courtesy photo The Go Fund Me page/17ae64fd is entitled HELP MY FAMILY GET ON THEIR FEET. McManus lived at the Washington Flat home for thirty years.Meanwhile, Sgt. McManus is working at the Del Norte Sheriff ‘s office during the fire, helping others. McManus employment status is retired annuitant. He may work for 960 hours, annually. McManus clocked in 155 hours, alone during the recent Kelly fire two week stretch.Sheriff Garrett Scott speaks appreciatively and with profound gratitude of Sgt. McManus. “ During the height of the crisis, Sgt. McManus at his own cost, purchased a Del Norte Sheriff uniform because his clothing including his uniforms had been destroyed in the fire. His dedication to helping others in need defines his character. Gene McManus is a valued asset to our Department. Now, he needs our help.”Sgt. McManus is fortunate to be alive. Though he’s lost precious material possessions, he and his family express heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to those who risked their lives to save his (life) and survive this ordeal. The road back to recovery has already begun. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });