$5,000 Raised For Officer Who Lost Home To Fire

Hundreds of people — from local bands to police officers and firefighters — raised $5,000 for a police officer, his wife and their daughter, who battles a debilitating brain condition that causes seizures.

A Jan. 9 fire destroyed the home of a police officer and his family shortly after the new year began, leaving them to face millions of dollars in medical bills for their 7-year-old daughter without a home.

Clinton police Lt. Gene Mashburn, of Raymond, and his family lost everything.

“I just literally fell to my knees in the front yard begging someone to help us,” said Tiffany Mashburn, the officer’s wife.

Almost three weeks later, communities converged Tuesday night for a concert at Hal and Mals to benefit the Mashburns. The Jackson and Ridgeland police departments, along with the Jackson Fire Department, hosted the event.

Local bands performed for free so money from the $10 cover and $1 from every flame licker sold — a newly created cocktail — went to the family’s benefit fund. Donations to the Gene Mashburn Family Benefit Account may also be made to any local branch of Trustmark National Bank.

Several bands performed, including the Time to Move Band, the Arnold Lindsay Band and Dreamer.

“There are no words for them, (for the) gratification of how special they are to us and how special we are to them,” Gene Mashburn said.

The concert drew people from across the area, some who are friends of the Mashburns and others who wanted to show their support.

“We are the next-door neighbors. I sent out a mass e-mail this (Tuesday) morning to let everyone know about it,” said Kaye Phillips. “I just hope the best for them.”

“This family has gone through an awful lot. God willing, they will come out of it … with our help,” said Jeff Smith, a retired police officer.

Family Plans To Rebuild With Daughter In Mind

Mallory was unable to attend the concert. Her family said loud noises and large groups of people are not good for her. Police held a fundraiser for Mallory in July 2008.

The Mashburns face millions of dollars in medical bills for their 7-year-old daughter, Mallory. Her disease has forced doctors to remove half of her brain.

Mallory continues to go to physical therapy three times a week, and could face more surgery. The family has used all of her insurance benefits.

The family plans to rebuild their home with special additions to help accommodate Mallory, like lower counters and wider spaces to help her get around the house. She is set to return to Ohio for more tests in March.

“When we are struck with tragedy, we pull together to help those officers who are standing alone,” Jackson Deputy Police Chief Lindsey Horton said.

“It’s a good thing,” Jackson Fire Chief Vernon Hughes said. “I’m proud that we can be here to support this officer.”

Mashburns Express Gratitude

Of all the emotions that have flooded the Mashburns since the fire, the emotion they expressed Tuesday night to everyone was gratitude.

“I have an awesome group of friends. All of them are my family — every one of them,” Gene Mashburn said.

A neighbor let the Mashburns move into her house across the street since the fire. Family members plan to submit their story to the ABC show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

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