DAMARISCOTTA MILLS, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Maybe you call it Karma, or the Golden Rule. But doing well for others does bring rewards-sometimes in a very tangible way. A family in Damariscotrta Mills is learning that lesson first hand.
Russ and Diana Williams lost their home to fire back in March. Only the barn was ultimately saved. Friends have helped them ever since, with clothing, food, housing and lots of moral support. And over the past three days, they got help from a very special group of friends New York City firefighters.
Russ Williams works for Camp Kieve in Nobleboro, and is director of their 9/11 Family Camp. For the past ten years, Kieve has hosted New York firefighters and their families, along with survivors of employees at Cantor Fitzgerald and the Pentagon.
Over that time, the firefighters have formed close friendships with the Williams'. So when Chief Jack Joyce heard about the fire, he contacted Williams immediately. "Jack Joyce, he pretty much said 'Russ what do you need?", says Williams. "You want us to come up and build you're house for you? We'; come up and build your house for you."
Williams already had a contractor for the house, but he needed to repair the 1850's barn to go with it. So seven firefighters made the trip to Maine over the weekend, working in the rain, under big blue tarps, to shingle the barn. Says Joyce: "So all the years of helping our families, it was time to give back to Russ."
Neighbors have again pitched in; feeding the firefighters and making sure they have a chance to relax. Camp Kieve provided a place for them to stay. Williams says the support from all their friends has been amazing.
The couple travelled to Manhattan for the 10th anniversary of September 11, and stood with the firefighters of Battalion 6 and Engine Company Three-some of the same men who came to Maine a few weeks later to work on their house.
NEWS CENTER