As a deputy of 17 years, Wes Pitzer said he’s used to “being the one that helps people.”

But after he and wife Nikki lost their Alto dream home in a fire earlier this month, Pitzer said he’s seen tremendous generosity from the Hall County Sheriff’s Office and his community.

“I’m not used to being the one that needs help, and it’s just amazing how many people in the community have stepped forward,” he said.

He and his wife were told only to be at the courthouse Friday afternoon, when members of the community presented an estimated $2,000 in goods and services for the rebuilding couple.

“In a beautiful way ... some members of our community have come together, and we’re in the process of trying to assist you and trying to continue to spread love to y’all,” said Misty Waldrop, HALLCO Community Credit Union marketing and education coordinator.

Wes Pitzer escaped the fire Jan. 7 with his dog Gus after a fireball flew out of his fireplace.

At Friday’s event, the Pitzers were presented with gift cards, meals, massages, storage, oil changes, a new bed set and an extermination treatment for their rebuilt home.

Among those contributing gifts were the credit union, Arby’s, Adam’s Transfer and Storage, Hardy Chevrolet, Chick-fil-A, HoneyBaked Ham, Atlantic Bedding and Furniture, Bizzy Bee Exterminators, The Ahh Spa and QuikTrip.

“Our community can give you something after you’ve given 20 years to us,” Waldrop said.

Wes Pitzer said his insurance company this week helped the couple into an apartment, as they were previously staying with family out of town.

“I truly don’t know how to thank everybody,” Wes Pitzer said to the crowd in the jury room. “It’s a tough thing to go through. But with family like all of y’all, I know that we will make it and we’ll get through it.”