Staffer helps 4 escape group home fire
Group home operator seeks help for residents
CUMRU TOWNSHIP
The Berks County-based nonprofit organization that owns and operates a group home in Cumru Township is appealing for help on behalf of the residents who lost their personal belongings in a predawn blaze Thursday, April 11, that destroyed the home.
Dayspring Homes Inc. has created online fundraising at dayspring-homes-inc.square.site to facilitate donations. Dayspring Homes is a faith-based organization that provides residential group services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Four residents were displaced by the fire on Harry Avenue. They were sleeping when the fire was discovered about 2:30 a.m. by the staff member on duty.
“Fortunately, the staff reacted without hesitation and was able to get all four residents safely out of the home,” the release stated. “All Dayspring staff are required to take fire safety training and perform fire drills regularly in the unfortunate event something like this will happen.”
The house along with the residents’ furniture, clothing and sentimental items were destroyed.
The residents have been temporarily placed in other Dayspring group homes, according to a release issued Friday by the organization.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Cumru Town
GIRL SCOUTS
knock Township does not have a license to carry a concealed firearm, investigators said.
In addition to carrying without a license, he was charged with possessing a weapon on school property and seven counts of reckless endangerment.
Following arraignment before District Judge Andrea Book in Reading Central
Court, he was committed to Berks County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail to await a hearing.
In a statement Tuesday to Exeter School District families, district officials said no students were in the building, which was placed on lockdown as soon as it was discovered the man had guns.
The statement said district staff acted swiftly to contain the person and immediately contacted the police. Officers from Central Berks and Exeter
Township police departments responded immediately.
“We are grateful for the quick response of our staff and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of our buildings,” the statement concluded. “As always, the safety and well-being of our students, staff and visitors are our top priorities. Please rest assured that we remain vigilant in maintaining a secure learning environment for everyone.”