Courtney Perry
The community is rallying around a local police officer and his family after their house burned down last weekend. Trophy Club Police officer Jeff Annillo has been with the department for five years, and his primary assignment is at Byron Nelson High School as its resource officer. Trophy Club Police Capt. Steve Woodard says he’s a dutiful and loyal police officer who serves his department and his community well.
Last weekend, Jeff’s house caught on fire. Steve says the fire was rapidly moving throughout the house, but Jeff managed to get his wife and three children out to safety. The same couldn’t be said for the rest of their belongings.
“We’re not sure what the start or ignition point of the fire was,” Steve says. “The fire was so far advanced that by the time emergency crews got there, it was a total loss.”
Steve says Jeff and his family have secured temporary lodging for themselves at the moment, but they require financial assistance to buy clothes, shoes, jackets and toys. Steve says that after the fire consumed Jeff’s house, the Backing the Blue – Denton chapter reached out to their department to see how they could help. Not only did they set up a donation link to the family on their website, but they also organized a fundraiser with Twisted Root Burger Co. benefitting Jeff and his family.
“Anytime a community comes together quickly and responds in such a positive manner during a tragedy like this is very humbling, very appreciative and really overwhelming,” Steve says. “It really shows the fabric of our community.”
The fundraiser is going on from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, October 14 at Twisted Root Burger Co., located at 101 S. Oak St. in Roanoke. If you would like to donate to the family directly, visit BackingTheBlueDenton.com