Local emergency services to hold fundraiser Saturday

The Blount County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, Blount County Fire Department, Friendsville Volunteer Fire Department, and Rural/Metro Rescue Squad, are holding a fundraiser this Saturday for the family affected by today’s tragic fire in which four people were killed. Emergency services workers from the above agencies will conduct a boots and buckets fundraiser campaign on U.S. Highway 321 at the Blount/Loudon County line this Saturday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to raise money for the Debuty family. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the family. Four children between the ages of 7 and 14 were killed in the blaze that swept through the Debuty family’s home on Miser Station Road early this morning. Three people, including two adults and a 3-year-old boy, escaped the residence. “This is a devastating loss,” Sheriff James Berrong said. “Everyone who responded to this scene was deeply impacted by it, and we all wanted to help out in some way. We would love to see the community come out and contribute to this cause.”