PARRISH, Fla. — Kyle Moore said he never hesitated to go to work as his home was devastated by flooding caused by Hurricane Debby.
"No mam," Moore said. "I took an oath to protect our community and our fellow citizens. So once I knew my family was safe, I went. This stuff can be replaced, lives can't."
But the loss he, his wife and their 7-year-old daughter have felt is significant. Moore had lived in the home since 2009.
"We're, we're pretty frugal with our money. As you see, the house is only 900 square feet. It's not a large home, but we love it. We take care of the things we have and we work hard for them. I work two jobs," Moore said.
When the water began to rise in their community in Parrish, there had been no time to pack.
Lieutenant Kyle Moore of Parrish Fire Rescue had been out on duty. His wife Tina Moore, a school teacher, was at an appointment with their daughter at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg.
"My daughter has Down Syndrome, she's 7 years old," Moore added. He said she was being tested for sleep apnea. "That's why they weren't home, and honestly, I thank God every day for that."
The Moores are a family of community servants who thrive on helping others.
"I don't ask for help often, prideful I guess," Moore said.
But the same community he helped during the storm is now stepping up to help him and his family.
Two fundraisers started by family and friends have raised more than $30,000 in the last week.
"It's humbling that that many people care," Moore said. "I'm learning that asking for help is ok."