Update: Lilburn Police Captain's Home Destroyed in Fire; Donations Sought

Lilburn Police Captain Mike Johnson's home was totally destroyed by a fire on Wednesday, and the family lost everything, including pets, the Lilburn Business Association said.

Johnson, his wife and three children are living in a motel and are in need of all the basics, the association said in an email. 

"He's such a strong man, but this has really rocked him to the core," said Lilburn Police Captain Ben Haynes. The family is doing well, considering their loss, he said. "Now it's just getting through the process of working the insurance."

The family's home was in Winder.

Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo branch to the account "City of Lilburn - Mike Johnson Family Benefit Account." 

The children are teenagers and one preteen, so gift cards would be best for clothing and necessities for them, the association said. Gift cards may be dropped off at city hall at 76 Main Street.

The City of Lilburn Police Department (also at 76 Main) is also accepting donations for the family.

Mayor Diana Preston is planning a cookout as a fundraiser on Tuesday, Aug. 23, from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. at Nash Pavilion in the city park. A donation of $5 is suggested, and side dishes and help are needed for the cookout.

Contact Mayor Preston at dpreston@cityoflilburn.com if you can help with the cookout. For other questions, contact Jan M. Brumbelow at the police department, 770-638-2217.

Editor's note: This is an update of an earlier version and includes a comment from Lilburn Police Captain Ben Haynes.