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Community rallies to help East Limestone SRO after downed trees destroy home

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After tornadoes tore through North Alabama last week, East Limestone High School's school resource officer Deputy Mike Boyles lost his home when two massive trees crashed through it.

Now, the community he has served for decades is coming together to support him and his family.

"It's one of those 'this doesn't happen to us' situations," said Sue Boyles, Mike's wife.

The storm destroyed 25 years' worth of memories in an instant. Sue Boyles described the moment she and her family emerged from a neighbor's basement and saw the damage for the first time.

"It covered the entire back of our home," Sue Boyles said. "That was enough of a shock, and when we got around to actually go in the doors, that's when it really sank in to see what had happened."

Every room in their home suffered, either from the fallen trees or from water damage. But despite the devastation, support has poured in from across the community and the Limestone County Sheriff's Department.

"The community has been unbelievable — the hands that have reached out, and the phone calls that we've gotten, the people that have just stopped by that we don't know that have said, 'What can I do? What can I do?'" Sue Boyles said.

Limestone County Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin spent the week helping the Boyles family move out valuables, and the family's has already raised over $9,200. Adding to the support, the in Limestone County is planning a fundraiser on Monday, June 2, to benefit the family. Owner Jerry Evans said his connections with both the Sheriff's Department and East Limestone High School motivated him to help.

Twenty percent of the day's proceeds will be donated to the Boyles family.

"It's just heartwarming — there's no words to say enough for it," Sue Boyles said.

The family is looking for where to go next. For now, the Boyles are staying at neighbors' and family homes until they find a rental and get the insurance claims going. Deputy Boyles is set to retire this Friday after decades in law enforcement.

The trees that crushed the Boyles home.

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Georgia graduated from Troy with a degree in political science in December 2022, then moved to Huntsville to start her broadcast career here at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý 31! She is thrilled to be here in the Rocket City and looks forward to bringing you Coverage You Can Count On!

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