Items in burned down house recovered By SRARC

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One response to “Items in burned down house recovered By SRARC”

1. 

   May 19, 2026

   jm2.solutions

   Hi Robert and Gary,

   I just wanted to write to share my experience with Suncoast Research and Revcovery Club.

   On April 28, 2026 I was visiting a long time friend with my daughter and granddaughter to celebrate my daughter’s graduation from nursing school.

   We were enjoying a nice day in his pool and then my friend decided to grill some hamburgers. I was sitting with my granddaughter in the Jacuzzi. My daughter was inside studying and I looked over at the grill and everything was fine. The next thing I looked over and the entire bottom of the grill, where the propane is was in flames. I grabbed my granddaughter and said we have to run dripping wet only in suits no shoes and I grabbed my phone. We ran outside and away from the house.

   It was a terrifying experience when we compared stories later I found out that my friend Bill tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher. It happened so quickly. He was right there when it caught fire and my daughter called 911 it while inside and it seemed like hours that my granddaughter and I were screaming their names to come out of the house, but just a minute passed by and they came out from the front door. My friend Bill had to knock down the door of a roommate that was there and got the roommate out and her dog safe safely. He went back inside to just double check to make sure nobody was there and then one last effort went outside to grab the hose to try to extinguish the fire. But it’s extremely difficult to fight propane, and it was hitting the roof and he narrowly escaped with his life.

   Once we were all safe, hours later after the fire, we started thinking about what’s in there and we lost everything, lots of electronics that we brought along brand, new clothes, luggage, etc.,and obviously, so did my friend since it was his house. But after our lives, obviously what mattered most was the rings from my deceased parents and a gold wedding band from my grandmother from 1915. The neighbors were beyond wonderful with helping with donations and clothes, and beds to stay in. One neighbor suggested calling a metal detecting store so he gave us the number of Myers metal detecting store and I went there with Bill. Rather than rent or sell me a Metal Detector, the owner Philgave me the card for Suncoast.

   Gary and Robert had never done a fire recovery before, but we’re willing to give it a try. They met with me the very next day on Wednesday, 5/6. We met at the house to start the search. The house is basically condemned has glass and nail sticking up everywhere and beams that could fall at any moment. But Gary and Robert were relentless and trying to help me out.

   I knew that my rings were loose on the dresser before the fire and with the fire, fire retardant and force of the water to extinguish the fire… not to mention the fact that there was 2 feet of debris. we didn’t know what to expect in terms of where they might’ve landed. It truly was like finding a needle (more like 12 needles; 5 rings and 7 bangles) in a haystack.

   They quickly realized that using the Metal Detector was useless because everything pinged between the nails and screws and the metal underneath the flooring. So, little by little they would sift through all of the debris and push it to the side and methodically go through the rubble. About an hour in they found the first ring, which was my father’s ring from probably the 1970’s with his initials. I could not thank them enough. I was crying. They started tearing up; It was so emotional. I was happy for the one ring, but they continued on.
   We realized they probably were allin the same general area and one by one the rings were found between the two of them. The last ring that was found was probably the most difficult cause it was lightweight and that was my grandmother’s wedding band from 1915. They recovered everything. All five rings and my silver bangle and the other bracelets which had sentimental value.

   I can’t thank them enough. Words will never express how thankful I am. I have lost jewelry in the past including stolen jewelry when my house was broken into, which included my wedding ring and engagement ring, and that will never be replaced. So this meant so much to me. I don’t think I could ever forgive myself if those rings were completely lost in the that rubble and knowing that they’re there and that they would be excavated away within a week or two into a landfill.

   From the bottom of my heart, Robert and Gary, I will always remember you and your tenacity in recovering my precious and sentimental rings, which is all I have left of my parents and grandparents who have long passed.

   Thank you so much and I will spread the word far and wide about your organization and how you can help people recover their lost rings and jewelry.

   Kind regards,
   Karen Luma

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