On Friday, May 26, around 3:45 a.m., Brookville resident Caleb Barnes was on his way to work when he drove passed a log cabin on North County Line Road in Sunman on fire. Barnes immediately reacted and whipped into the home's driveway, where Lisa Pierson, 53, and her fiance Mike Schwier were sound asleep inside. Barnes exited his vehicle and ran up to the house, where he began shouting and banging on doors to alert those inside of the fire. Barnes found one of the doors unlocked and entered the house, screaming, "There is a fire. We need to get everyone out of the house.”

As a result of Barnes' heroic actions, Pierson and her fiance were awakened just five minutes before the top story of the house collapsed. "Had it not been for Caleb, I wouldn't be here today,” Pierson said in an interview. "We're very grateful we're alive, very grateful."

Barnes' friend and co-worker Phil Carrow said he wasn't surprised to hear about Caleb's bravery. "Caleb is extraordinary. And I don't say that lightly or often, especially about people his age. He's worked with us for two seasons now and is a very hard worker, conscientious, smart, humble, funny, caring, and helpful to a fault." Carrow continued, "I've personally hired him a few times out at my farm and haven't seen a harder worker in quite some time. He literally is an all-around great guy. I can honestly say him saving those people didn't surprise me, not about him."

Pierson bought the cabin built in the 1800s around 10 years ago, restored it, and made it her home. Pierson's daughter, Jamie Blackburn, began a GoFundMe Page to help her family. She shared how thankful she was that her mom and stepdad made it out alive, thanks to a stranger and the grace of God. However, she also shared that the couple lost everything in the fire.

“While the fact that they're alive is most important and material things can be replaced, this is the most heartbreaking thing I've had to see my mom go through," Blackburn shared on the GoFundMe page. "There were many items that will never be able to be replaced, but I'd like to try and do what I can to make any part of this nightmare easier on them. Most locals know her house because of all the blood, sweat, tears and love she poured into it. My husband and I even had our wedding there. Besides her kids and grandkids, this house was her pride and joy." 

Since the fire, Blackburn shared the community has genuinely rallied behind her mom and stepdad and offered support in any way possible.

"I Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has stopped by to check on them, donate, drop off clothing and basics, brought them food, reached out and prayed for them," Blackburn said. "They are overwhelmed with emotions and the support they've received. If they haven't responded, please know they're just overwhelmed with emotions, as I'm sure you understand. But also know they're in disbelief of the support they've received. They are sorting through what they've received, and I will update on items needed once they have. Please continue to pray for them and share the GoFundMe page if you can."

To donate, visit https://gofund.me/4d2f7eb1. So Far 5,905 of the $20,000 goal has been raised.