After a fire in Wymore claimed the life of a Wymore firefighter and deputy sheriff and left another family homeless, community members from Wymore and the surrounding area are helping both families try to recover from their losses.

Jeremy Wach, 31, of Wymore, was killed Nov. 5 while attempting to extinguish a house fire at 719 West I St. in Wymore. He is survived by his wife, Melissa, and two sons, Joseph and Matthew.

Also affected by the fire were 51-year-old Teri Spencer, her 11-year-old son and her 13-year-old daughter, who lost nearly everything they owned when the fire destroyed their home.

While the Spencers have been able to find a rental property in Wymore, a donation drive started by Steve and Hazel Percival, owners of the Downtown Diner in Wymore, has proven successful. Through the drive, Southeast Nebraska residents have donated clothes, household goods and appliances to help the Spencers.

Several members of the Southern High School wrestling team also donated their time last week unloading the items when they were delivered to the Downtown Diner.

“I've just been amazed at the amount of support we have received,” Hazel Percival said.

While donations for both families will continue to be accepted at the diner for the next two weeks, Percival is also asking Wymore residents to bring non-perishable food items to the diner which will be given to the Spencer family. With the amount of clothing and material goods already received through the drive, Percival said the Spencers almost have more than they need.

“Teri has just about gotten all of the material items she needs, but both she and the Wachs can still use monetary donations, however,” Percival said.

The city of Wymore is also doing its part to assist the Wach and the Spencer families. Wymore Mayor Dale Crawford said the Wymore City Council voted in favor of waiving utility bills for both families for six months to allow them time to deal with unforeseen expenses related to the fire.

Crawford said the city is also in the process of looking to take possession of the property where the fire occurred. Although the city's plans for the lot have yet to be determined, Crawford said the council has considered placing some type of memorial in the lot to honor Wach's life.

“I can't say for sure exactly in what direction we are headed in regards to this yet,” Crawford said. “We're still working to acquire the property at this point.”

A memorial fund for the Wach family has been established at U.S. Bank branches throughout the state. Donations may also be sent to the Jeremy Wach Family Memorial, c/o U.S. Bank, 200 N. Sixth St., Beatrice, NE 68310.