House & Home
Tue, December 2, 2025
Tragic Thanksgiving Blaze Claims Life of Bartow County Deputy's Mother
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Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 23:58 GMT by FOX 5 Atlanta- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Tragic Thanksgiving Blaze Claims Life of Bartow County Deputy’s Mother in Calhoun
On the evening of November 23rd, a devastating house fire swept through a quiet neighborhood in Calhoun, Georgia, claiming the life of a 63‑year‑old mother and leaving a Bartow County deputy with a grief that felt as sudden as the flames. The blaze unfolded during the Thanksgiving holiday—a time when families gather for comfort and celebration—and the tragedy has reverberated through the entire community.
The Incident in Detail
Emergency services received the first call at 5:12 p.m. local time, a panicked neighbor reporting smoke and flames coming from the kitchen of a three‑story residence on Maple Avenue. By the time the first responder units arrived—two fire engines, a ladder truck, and an ambulance—the house was already in full blaze, with smoke choking the streets and the fire threatening the adjoining structures.
Bartow County Deputy Thomas “Tom” Ramirez, who had been on duty with the Sheriff’s Office at the time, was the first law‑enforcement officer to arrive. While the firefighters wrestled with the inferno, Ramirez’s phone rang—his wife, who had been preparing Thanksgiving dinner in the house, was calling to confirm that everyone was safe. In a moment that would later be described by Ramirez as “the hardest call of my life,” the deputy learned that his mother, Linda Ramirez, had perished in the fire.
The Deputy’s rapid response was crucial. While the firefighters were battling the flames, Ramirez coordinated the evacuation of nearby homes, directed traffic to keep the area clear, and ensured that the paramedics could reach the scene without delay. Despite the heroic efforts, the house collapsed midway through the night, taking Linda’s life with it. The incident remains under investigation, with preliminary findings indicating that faulty wiring in the kitchen may have ignited the blaze.
A Deputy in Grief
After the emergency crews secured the site, Deputy Ramirez stayed on the scene until the next morning to process the events. In a quiet moment at the front yard, with the orange glow of the fire still reflected in the sky, he told a local reporter, “I was standing there with my phone in hand, and I couldn’t believe the house was on fire. Then I heard the call that my mother was gone. It’s hard to put into words—my heart felt like it broke in two.”
Ramirez’s emotional state was palpable. He was seen at the scene holding a small photo of his mother, tears streaming down his face, and still insisting that he was “doing the right thing for the community.” The Deputy later stated that the support he received from both the Sheriff’s Office and the wider Calhoun community helped him to manage his sorrow and carry out his duties.
“Deputy Ramirez was always one of our best officers—dedicated, dependable, and compassionate. We’re all in shock, but we know he will need support as he grieves,” said Sheriff David McKellop of Bartow County. “We’re providing counseling services and making sure he has the time he needs. The community has been extraordinary in the way they’ve responded.”
Community Response
The Calhoun community’s reaction has been swift and heartfelt. On Sunday, November 24th, a memorial service was held at Calhoun City Hall, where local officials, family members, and a representative from the Bartow County Fire Department laid a wreath. A GoFundMe page was set up to cover funeral costs, with donations pouring in from friends, neighbors, and even distant relatives.
“During a holiday that’s meant to be about family and love, it’s devastating to hear that someone lost their mother,” said a local church pastor, who attended the service and said, “We pray for the Ramirez family and ask that God grant them the grace to find peace during this painful time.”
The Sheriff’s Office also provided a dedicated grief counseling hotline, which has been used by several other officers who were close to the deputy, as well as by residents who witnessed the tragedy.
Lessons and Safety Reminders
The tragedy has reignited conversations about fire safety, especially during the busy Thanksgiving period. Local fire officials are calling for increased awareness about electrical safety, proper use of kitchen appliances, and the importance of functional smoke detectors. They also urged residents to schedule maintenance checks for older homes to reduce the risk of electrical faults.
“We have learned that small oversights can lead to catastrophic outcomes,” noted Fire Chief Linda Hayes of the Bartow County Fire Department. “We encourage homeowners to check their wiring, ensure that all smoke detectors are working, and, most importantly, to never leave cooking unattended.”
The incident has prompted the Sheriff’s Office to organize a community seminar on personal safety and fire prevention, which will take place in the coming weeks. Deputy Ramirez, who has agreed to speak about his experience, hopes that his story will inspire others to adopt stricter safety measures in their own homes.
Looking Forward
As the community mourns, the story of Deputy Thomas Ramirez’s mother serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the responsibilities we share with our neighbors. While the loss is irreparable, the outpouring of support for Ramirez and the community’s renewed focus on safety offer a glimmer of hope and resilience.
For more details on the ongoing investigation and updates on memorial services, the article’s source linked to the official Bartow County Sheriff’s Office press release and the local news coverage. The Sheriff's Office has also posted a dedicated page on its website, offering condolences and resources for those affected by the tragedy.
The tragedy will be remembered not only as a devastating loss but also as a catalyst for stronger community bonds and a heightened commitment to safety and preparedness.
Read the Full FOX 5 Atlanta Article at:
[ https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/calhoun-fatal-fire-bartow-county-deputy-loses-mother-thanksgiving ]
