MORRISTOWN, Tenn. (Washington) – A massive fire in Morristown on Friday left a store in ruins and owners searching for answers as they try to move on.
Morristown Signs has been serving the community for over 25 years, creating signage for area schools, businesses, health systems, and sports teams.Everything came to an abrupt halt with a 911 call around 1 p.m.
Despite the quick response of the Morristown Fire Department, the building was quickly engulfed in flames and was deemed a total loss. Co-owner Jeremy Menese said his emotions were running high and he was still in shock.
“My first reaction was to basically curl up in a ball and cry. But then I trusted the Lord and I completely trusted Him and He is in control. “I realized that I knew what I was going to do,” Menise says. “All of my work crews were safe and we were all able to get out of the building unharmed and we are thankful for that. We thank the Lord for that.”
Once Menese knew everyone was safe, he focused on finding a temporary solution to serve his customers.
“We are working with our insurance companies to see how quickly we can resume operations,” Menise said. “We want to keep our customers, keep them and take care of them the best we can.”
Meneese added that the community support has been overwhelming.
“If we could see cell phone calls and phone numbers from both customers, friends and family,” Menise said. “When you live in a small town for this long, the amount of love you receive from the community is immeasurable.”
After all, it's the small-town camaraderie that Menise said makes areas like Morristown special.
“We rely on each other,” Menese said. “We're there for each other, that's why we're here.”
