When Ken Mize retired from the Banks County Sheriff’s Office in 2020, he did so to much fanfare. Mize served over 52 years in law enforcement and was well-known and beloved by many in this close-knit Northeast Georgia community.
Now, all that time and service he poured into the community through the years is coming back to him and his wife, Kathy.
The couple suffered a setback when a fire on August 14 damaged their home and belongings. They were not at home at the time of the fire and friends say they did not have insurance.
“The damage was contained to a bed and shelving unit in the bedroom and an additional area in the bathroom,” says Banks County Fire Chief Steve Nichols. In addition, he says there was smoke damage throughout the house.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
“We have ruled out weather, electrical, and accidental as the cause so far. The investigation by the State Fire Marshall’s Office is continuing,” Nichols says.
‘Starting over’
As investigators try to determine what caused the fire, the community is rallying to help the couple.
“Now they are faced with the difficult task of starting over with just their love for each other,” says their friend Joan Thomason in an online fundraising appeal. “Any and all donations will be put toward finding a new place to live, furniture, clothes, and basic necessities for everyday living. Any help is greatly appreciated.”
The Banks County Sheriff’s Office and a local church are also assisting the couple.
“While physical donations are appreciated, Mr. and Mrs. Mize currently have nowhere to store them,” the sheriff’s office says in an updated post on social media.
Bethany Christian Church in Homer is accepting donations on behalf of Kathy and Ken Mize. If you would like to donate, make checks payable to the church and mail them to 312 Historic Homer Highway, Homer, Georgia, 30547.
