HOW YOU CAN HELP

Community Supports Officer Who Lost his Home

Learn how you can help the Maitland community support Joshua Rotarius after he lost his home to a fire.

By Catie Moore

If you recall, news spread that Dommerich Elementary School resource officer Joshua Rotarius lost his home in a house fire on July 1, 2022.

Officer Rotarius was asleep when lightning struck his home in Sorrento. Luckily, his silver Labrador Retriever, Null, frantically barked, saving them both from the fire that quickly engulfed the home.

Rotarius was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center where he was treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns to his hands and feet. Null was also treated for minor burns.

The blaze destroyed most everything he owned, and the home is a complete loss. While insurance will cover some of the costs of the home and its contents, the current cost to demo and rebuild exceeds the payments from his carrier.

Today, both Rotarius and Null have recovered physically, and Rotarius has returned to work.

Rotarius told Fox35 that he is living at a temporary residence while sorting through the insurance process to help reconstruct his home.

The Maitland community is dedicated to helping Officer Rotarius and Null in this effort. A GoFundMe account was established for friends and co-workers from across Central Florida to help Rotarius with his monumental expenses. To donate, visit this link: https://gofund. me/9ecedfa1

In addition, the Maitland community is hosting a family bingo night benefitting Rotarius. Please consider helping this remarkable Dommerich Elementary School resource officer while having a fun evening of family entertainment! ■ There will be $1,000 total in cash prizes awarded to bingo winners. ■ Kids can participate in a dance party. ■ Dinner and dessert will be served. ■ A cash bar will keep you hydrated as you peruse the silent auction items!

Consider buying Family Bingo Night Benefitting Officer Joshua Rotarius tickets early, as there are only 40 “family packs” available! https://maitlandfamilybingonight.eventbrite.com/

Family Bingo Night Benefitting Officer Joshua Rotarius

When: Friday, September 16th 6:30-9:30 p.m. Where: Venue on the Lake-Maitland Civic Center What: Bingo, family dance party, silent auction, dinner and more supporting Officer Rotarius Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/familybingo-night-benefitting-officer-joshua-rotarius-tickets-400797785967