Gretna paramedic loses home and pets in devastating fire, community rallies in support

GRETNA, Va. (WSET) — A Gretna first responder is working to pick up the pieces after a fire destroyed his home over the weekend.

A house fire call is just another day on the job for a first responder, but they never expect a call to come in for their own home.

That was the reality for Gretna Fire & Rescue paramedic, Bill VanGils.

“My heart sank. It was just a really bad feeling when you know you’re going to your own house that’s on fire,” VanGils said.

His home on Armstrong Road went up in flames on Sunday.

“He came over the radio and said, Chief, that’s my house and that’s when it kind of hit hard,” said Deputy Chief Ryan Crews.

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VanGils lived in the home for over a decade; now the house and everything inside is gone.

“You’re used to helping everyone else, but you’re not used to having an emergency at your house. So, that kind of got the emotions running, trying to help Bill save what he had left,” said Deputy Crews.

Deputy Chief Crews said that they fought hard to save VanGils’ home. When the call came through one of his biggest worries was his animals.

Sadly his two cats, Bam and Yuri, and the beloved firehouse dog, Jayne, were also lost in the fire.

“It was like losing a relative,” VanGils said. “They were my life, between the fire department and them, that’s what I lived for.”

The fire marshal is still investigating what caused the fire. VanGils’ insurance company says the home is a total loss.

The community has come out in full force to support him by donating money and donating essential items like clothes and shoes.

If you’d like to help Bill VanGils’ you can donate to this GoFundMe or drop off items at the Gretna Fire & Rescue department.