After 24 years of business, Johnson Gearing & Fleet Supply owner Joseph Johnson has been dealt a devastating blow.
“Our part of the building is devastated,” said Johnson. “It doesn’t look like anything is left.”
Last Saturday, a massive fire broke out inside of Redus Autor Repair, right next to Johnson’s business on West 12th Street in Millcreek.
Firefighters fought the fire for hours, but Johnson’s business was destroyed.
“Unfortunately, we have decades worth of memorabilia and posters, plaques and stuff from donations to people,” said Johnson. “It’s pretty heartbreaking.”
As Johnson searches for a new building, Seneca Mineral in McKean, has allowed his company to use their space to keep his business up and running.
Johnson’s son also launched a GoFundMe with a goal of $28,000.
In less than a week, it’s already raised nearly $20,000.
“That will go a long way with paying the employees and trying to keep business up and running, which we are doing remotely,” said Johnson. “The support we’ve gotten is tremendous. Our community is great. It’s going to be a heck of a road, but we’re going to travel it.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Donations to help the business can be submitted here.