Updated: Montville Residents Reach Out to Moorehead

Some Montville Patch readers have posted nice comments for Montville Police/ School Resource Officer Karen Moorehead on the Montville Patch Facebook page. The home that Moorehead had just bought was badly damaged in a fire this morning.

Keri Lynn Bekech Grant says: "So thankful to hear no one was in it and there was no personnal property moved in yet... Love and prayers to Officer Moorehead and family. She was my Daughter's DARE teacher @ Mohegan Elementary and we all think so highly of her..."

Sandy Davis says: "Prayers for you and your family."

Moorehead bought the house in Gales Ferry less than two weeks ago.

At 4:10 this morning the Gales Ferry Fire Department was called to her home, which the early-morning fire had badly damaged.

Gales Ferry Fire Chief Tony Saccone was the first to reach the scene. He said the front of the house was fully involved and a stong wind was carrying the blaze back through the structure.

The house was unoccupied; Moorehead and her family had not moved in yet. Moorehead paid $182,000 for the property.

Saccone said Moorehead had been doing work on the house. He said there was no furniture or personal property inside.

The Ledyard Fire Department and Sub Base Fire Department also responded. Saccone said the fire was subdued before 5 a.m. He said there were no injuries.

The fire appeared to have started in the front of the house. Saccone said it is being investigated by the state Fire Marshal's Office.

Asked if the house can be repaired, Saccone said the town Building Official would need to make that call.

This was the first serious structure fire in Gales Ferry in three years or more, Saccone said. "It's been quite a while," he said.

Would you like to say something to Moorehead? Please add your comments to the box at the bottom of this story, or to the Montville Patch Facebook page.