MT. CARMEL, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Southern Utahns are coming together to help the young family of slain Kane County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Harris.
Back in August, Deputy Harris was shot and killed while tracking a suspect southeast of Kanab.
Before the shooting, Brian had been planning to build a new home for his wife Shawna and their two girls, Kirstyn, 13, and Kristina, 10.
Their Mt. Carmel home was 100 years old and falling apart. In fact, Brian had crashed through the roof while attempting a repair.
Brian had even draw up plans for the house and was hoping to begin this fall. “They need a house now,” explained Duck Creek resident and family friend, Krista Kenner. “They were very concerned about getting through another winter in that house – just wasn’t sure the roof was going to make it.”
So Kenner went to work raising money to take Brian’s plans and build a home for his family.
Kenner said, “He went in as backup the day he was shot. It was not his shift to work. Not even the right time. And we just felt like we should be his backup and finish the project that he had tried to start.”
Kenner admits that as she watched demolition early in November, she was nervous. “I was very nervous because this was the house that they’d lived in all their lives with their father. And we’re tearing it down with all those memories.”
“But then the little 10 year old, Kristina, had a big smile on her face. She was ready for a new beginning,” Kenner said that all was the confirmation she need.
By the middle of November, the house was taking shape. It is framed and has a roof. Plumbing and heating are in.
Still, for Chester Jacobs of Jacobs Construction who is overseeing the work, the project is an act of faith. With all the donations of labor and materials, they still lack some essential items to finish the main floor. “The things we need now are flooring, cabinets, and countertops.” Jacobs said.
What’s more, Jacobs is pushing for enough money to finish the basement. He reasons that if it doesn’t get done now, it will never get done. The family just won’t have the means. “They’re a really amazing family going through a tough time. It won’t replace their dad, but nothing can.”
One of Brian’s brothers, Bert Harris, expressed the gratitude of the extended Harris family. “People have just been more than kind to donate time, money and everything just to see this house project go up for this family.”
The family is also helping on the project. Harris believes it is a kind of therapy, helping both the family and the community to heal. “It seems like people heal by doing,” he said.
Kenner added, “This family deserves it. They did not deserve to lose their father they way they did.”
Shawna and the girls will spend Christmas with her family in Montana. The goal is to have the house ready before they return after New Year’s Day.
What to help?
Here's the contact information:
Krista Kenner (donations)
435-616-2479
Cick here to make a donation via PayPal account: brianharrisfamily@gmail.com
