Help David Hess Rebuild After Devastating Fire
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$3,000 raised of
24 donations
I have had the privilege of knowing David Hess for over 20 years. During my time as Sheriff in Van Buren County, Arkansas, David served as a dedicated deputy, always going above and beyond for our community. In addition to his role as a deputy, David worked as a fireman, a member of the rescue squad, a wrecker service driver, and more—always balancing multiple roles to support his family and serve the public. Today, David Hess serves as the Clinton School Resource Officer, continuing his commitment to the community. David has been a fantastic friend to me, and I know many in our community would say the same. Now, in his time of need, after losing his home to a devastating fire without insurance, we have the chance to give back. David has always been there to help others, and now we can come together to help him rebuild his life and home.
At approximately 4 am on June 11, 2025, David Hess and his family experienced a night that would change their lives forever. Just three hours later, at 7 am, they were supposed to leave for Galveston to begin a long-anticipated cruise—a graduation gift for their oldest son that had taken two years of saving and planning. Instead, they awoke to unimaginable terror. The family was jolted awake by the sounds of their youngest son screaming, followed by their older son's cries for help. David's wife ran into the living room—where the boys had fallen asleep on the couch—and was met with a horrifying sight. The couch was fully engulfed in flames, and thick smoke was rapidly filling the home. David ran in and immediately ordered everyone to get out of the house. During the chaos, his graduating son became disoriented by the smoke and fire and could not find his way out. Without hesitation, David ran back into the burning home and was able to guide his son safely outside. Moments later, David heard the voice of their house guest yelling for help. The guest was trapped inside. David attempted to re-enter the home multiple times, trying every possible way to reach him, but the heat and smoke were overwhelming. David Hess is a firefighter of 35 years and a law enforcement officer of 16 years. That night, despite a lifetime of training and service, he stood helpless—without protective gear or equipment, unable to re-enter his own home to save a life. When the fire department arrived, they were able to rescue the house guest. CPR was started immediately, and he was transported to the hospital. Tragically, he later passed away.
David was transported by ambulance with burns to the right side of his face, neck, shoulder, and feet, along with smoke inhalation. His wife and children went to the hospital by personal vehicle to be evaluated. David and his older son both suffered second-degree burns and required treatment at Children's Hospital. His wife and younger son were treated for smoke inhalation and later released. In the fire, the Hess family lost approximately 90% of everything they owned. There was no homeowner's insurance. Now, in addition to the emotional trauma of that night and the loss of a life, the family is facing overwhelming financial strain. David works multiple jobs and is struggling to cover mounting medical bills. He also contributed financially to help cover funeral expenses for their house guest. The long-planned cruise they missed that morning remains unresolved, as they continue to fight for a credit. Most importantly, the Hess family is trying to find a way forward to rebuild a home, provide stability for their children, and recover from the loss that no family should ever endure. This story is shared to honor what happened, to recognize the courage shown under unimaginable circumstances, and to remind us how quickly life can change and how deeply moments of service, sacrifice, and humanity matter.
These funds will play a crucial role in helping David as he works to rebuild his life and home. After the devastating fire that destroyed his house, caused personal injuries, and led to the heartbreaking loss of life, David is now in the early stages of reconstruction. While family and friends have provided immediate support, these funds will not only assist with foundational and structural repairs, plumbing, and electricity, but will also help replace essential household items. David and his family have lost everything, so beyond the structure of the home, they will need furniture, bedding, and all the necessities to restore comfort and normalcy. By providing this support, we can help them completely rebuild their home and move them back into a safe and welcoming environment as soon as possible.
David has always been there for others, and now it's our turn to help him. Please join us in supporting David and his family as they work to rebuild after this tragedy.
At approximately 4 am on June 11, 2025, David Hess and his family experienced a night that would change their lives forever. Just three hours later, at 7 am, they were supposed to leave for Galveston to begin a long-anticipated cruise—a graduation gift for their oldest son that had taken two years of saving and planning. Instead, they awoke to unimaginable terror. The family was jolted awake by the sounds of their youngest son screaming, followed by their older son's cries for help. David's wife ran into the living room—where the boys had fallen asleep on the couch—and was met with a horrifying sight. The couch was fully engulfed in flames, and thick smoke was rapidly filling the home. David ran in and immediately ordered everyone to get out of the house. During the chaos, his graduating son became disoriented by the smoke and fire and could not find his way out. Without hesitation, David ran back into the burning home and was able to guide his son safely outside. Moments later, David heard the voice of their house guest yelling for help. The guest was trapped inside. David attempted to re-enter the home multiple times, trying every possible way to reach him, but the heat and smoke were overwhelming. David Hess is a firefighter of 35 years and a law enforcement officer of 16 years. That night, despite a lifetime of training and service, he stood helpless—without protective gear or equipment, unable to re-enter his own home to save a life. When the fire department arrived, they were able to rescue the house guest. CPR was started immediately, and he was transported to the hospital. Tragically, he later passed away.
David was transported by ambulance with burns to the right side of his face, neck, shoulder, and feet, along with smoke inhalation. His wife and children went to the hospital by personal vehicle to be evaluated. David and his older son both suffered second-degree burns and required treatment at Children's Hospital. His wife and younger son were treated for smoke inhalation and later released. In the fire, the Hess family lost approximately 90% of everything they owned. There was no homeowner's insurance. Now, in addition to the emotional trauma of that night and the loss of a life, the family is facing overwhelming financial strain. David works multiple jobs and is struggling to cover mounting medical bills. He also contributed financially to help cover funeral expenses for their house guest. The long-planned cruise they missed that morning remains unresolved, as they continue to fight for a credit. Most importantly, the Hess family is trying to find a way forward to rebuild a home, provide stability for their children, and recover from the loss that no family should ever endure. This story is shared to honor what happened, to recognize the courage shown under unimaginable circumstances, and to remind us how quickly life can change and how deeply moments of service, sacrifice, and humanity matter.
These funds will play a crucial role in helping David as he works to rebuild his life and home. After the devastating fire that destroyed his house, caused personal injuries, and led to the heartbreaking loss of life, David is now in the early stages of reconstruction. While family and friends have provided immediate support, these funds will not only assist with foundational and structural repairs, plumbing, and electricity, but will also help replace essential household items. David and his family have lost everything, so beyond the structure of the home, they will need furniture, bedding, and all the necessities to restore comfort and normalcy. By providing this support, we can help them completely rebuild their home and move them back into a safe and welcoming environment as soon as possible.
David has always been there for others, and now it's our turn to help him. Please join us in supporting David and his family as they work to rebuild after this tragedy.