On the morning on January 11th Richard and Elise Cozzi experienced an event never to be forgotten. Just before 7:00am the fire alarm went off in their home of fourteen years. When Richard and Elise saw smoke billowing from the vents, and then flames from the downstairs kitchen they immediately threw on their robes and ran out the front door as fast as they could. Rich turned around to see if there was time to grab anything in sight but the flames were already roaring within the house. Let it be known that from the time the fire alarm went off to the time they were out the front door was just a minute, and within five minute the entire house was in flames. The Cozzis were unable to a grab a single thing from their home.

The fire engines arrived on the scene within minutes, but by that time their home and all of their most precious belongings were up in flames. Richard and Elise stood outside their home in shock and disbelief for hours. The oldest of the three children, Alea was by her parents side a half an hour after the fire broke out, Mecah jumped on the next train down from LA while Zach will be in Europe until the 28th of January.

Hours after the house had cooled friends and family as well as insurance agents and investigators rummaged through what was left of a lifetime of memories. The structure remains, but the home is completely gutted. The garage was untouched, fortunately all the items in there are fine, but think of all of the personal belongings, priceless keepsakes, and precious memories in your home. Beyond the enormous financial loss of material items, the Cozzis have lost so many irreplaceable items.

Rich is a musician, it is his passion and his profession. In the fire he lost 15 guitars, drums, a piano and his work studio. An irreplaceable portrait of Richards deceased father was lost, as well as a blueprint his father drew at the age of twelve. Elise lost her grandmothers fine China as well as her wedding dress. These are obviously only a couple examples; again, just imagine all the treasures and photo albums in your home.

To shift through the destroyed pieces of their home searching for little pieces of hope was one of the most emotional and painful experiences for Richard and Elise.

We thank God that they are okay and that they made it out safely. We also know that this will be a very difficult and long journey for their family. A checking account has been set up for them at Bank of West to help them through this difficult time. Any support is greatly appreciated. God Bless