Stillwater first responders receive support after losing homes to wildfires

After battling last Friday’s devastating wildfires, some Stillwater first responders returned home to find nothing left. Now, their families—and the community—are stepping up to help.

First Responders on the Front Lines

The wildfires prompted an all-call for Stillwater police, bringing every available officer to duty. For Melissa Goree’s husband, that meant a grueling 16-hour shift.

"Seeing the physical exhaustion but also the mental load it takes—it’s tough as a wife," Goree said.

While her family’s home was spared, two first responders lost everything. Others are dealing with severe smoke damage.

Community Steps Up

Now, the wives of first responders, including Goree, are organizing relief efforts—raising money to help officers, dispatchers, and department employees impacted by the fires.

"One of the families is a close friend of ours, and it’s nice to be able to show up for them when they need it," Goree said.

The group is collecting donations to provide immediate relief, focusing on monetary support to meet families’ most urgent needs.

"We’re only doing monetary donations because we want to make it as simple as possible for families. What do you need? What can we give you?" Goree explained.

Mayor Calls for Long-Term Stability

Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce says while immediate relief is essential, the goal is to provide long-term stability for affected families.

"We really don’t want them to have to stay in short-term rentals for a week, then move again and again. We’re working to put together a plan for more stability right now," Joyce said.

He added that financial needs will continue to grow in the coming weeks and urged the community to contribute to ongoing relief efforts.

If you’d like to support first responders affected by the wildfires, you can click this link: Fundraiser by Stillwater PD Wives : Support Our Department & Families Affected by the Wildfires