NEWS RELEASE

Seminole County Sheriff's Office Investigator and her family seriously injured in house fire

Seminole Co. Fla., (April 26) - Seminole County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) Investigator Margo Feaser and her family are recovering after being seriously injured in a fire at their Sweetwater Oaks home last night. Feaser, an auto theft investigator and military veteran, her husband, a quality control supervisor in the mortgage industry and also a military veteran, along with their two children, a 2-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy, were all rescued by firefighters who entered the blazing home. The family members are currently in stable condition, with their status ranging from serious to critical. The family dog, a German Shepherd named Maxx, is being treated for smoke inhalation.

“We are grateful to the neighbors who jumped into action, and we especially thank the firefighters who selflessly entered the burning structure and risked their lives for the Feaser family,” said Sheriff Don Eslinger. “There is a long road of recovery and rebuilding ahead, but our Sheriff’s Office family will be with Margo and her family every step of the way. We know our community is behind them too, and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of support the family has received.”

The family’s home was completely destroyed. A fund has been designated to provide assistance to the Feaser family to help defray medical, veterinary, and other expenses. Contributions may be made via check to the “Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Employee Benevolent Fund” and sent to 100 Bush Boulevard, Sanford, FL 32773, attention: “Feaser Family Fund.” Community questions about funding assistance may be directed to 407-665-6880.

Deputies and firefighters were summoned to the Feaser home at approximately 11:20 p.m. last night after neighbors saw flames coming from the back of the house and called 911 (call attached). A neighbor broke the front windows of the home with porch furniture and helped Investigator Feaser climb from the residence. Firefighters from the Seminole County Fire Department were on scene within minutes, breaching the front door and immediately locating Investigator Feaser’s husband. 

Maxx, the family dog, is credited with assisting firefighters through the heavy smoke to the location of each of the two children. Maxx is being treated at a local veterinary clinic and is expected to make a full recovery (photo attached).  For more on Maxx's amazing efforts to help save the Feaser children, CLICK HERE. 

The State Fire Marshal’s preliminary investigation has determined that the fire was accidental, and that it originated from the back porch of the home.

Investigator Feaser is a 12-year veteran of SCSO who has held assignments in patrol and investigations. She served with the U.S. Army for three years, and was deployed overseas during Operation Enduring Freedom. She is currently a member of the Army National Guard.

For more information contact:

Kim Cannaday (kcannaday@seminolesheriff.org)

(407) 665-6978 - desk

(407) 402-3319 – cell

Kristen Bentsen (kbentsen@seminolesheriff.org)

(407) 665-6950 – desk

(407) 637-9210 - cell

A "GoFundMe" account has also been set up for members of the community to make donations to the family.  The campaign link is: https://www.gofundme.com/2ns6b4nz

The team at Hara Management and Community 1st Advisors extends our heartfelt prayers to the Feaser family for a speedy recovery.