Oklahoma community rallies to help Perry police officer after fire destroys his home

Gass, 30, said thick black smoke hit him in the face when he cracked open the door.

He returned to his patrol car to call for help and then ran inside the house, looking for his dog.

By the time he found her, it was too late.

“She's all that I could think about because she's what I have,” Gass said. “I would go through everything again just to have her back. I kept coming back out for air and running back in again.”

Gass said he cradled Mia and went outside as the fire overtook the house. He watched the house burn to the ground with all of his possessions inside.

“It was tough,” Gass said. “Now I'm just trying to put the pieces back together. You have to move on.”

Perry Police Chief Brian Thomas said Gass is a good guy and has been a dedicated officer for the past four years.

He didn't even have a toothbrush, Thomas said, but the community has rallied around him.

“He's just taking it all in, but he's doing well,” the chief said. “Lots of support from the community and people just sent him everything from clothing to pots and pans, anything to help get him going again.”