Two funds started for Slater family
By:David Koch
FLORENCE The community is mourning the death of two boys in a house fire last week as officials continue to look for the cause of the blaze.
Da’Shaun Slater, 10, and Damonte Bailey, 8, died April 29 in a house fire on the 300 block of Foundry Street where the two half-brothers lived.
Florence Township Fire Marshal Kevin Mullen said the an autopsy by Burlington County coroner’s office April 30 determined the cause of death was smoke inhalation.
Mr. Mullen said the fire is still under investigation and its cause has yet to be determined.
He said the investigation also is being conducted by the Florence Township Fire Department’s Bureau of Fire Prevention, the township’s Police Department, the Burlington County prosecutor’s office and the county fire marshal’s office.
Mr. Mullen said the investigation may be finished by the end of this week at the earliest.
Police and firefighters arrived at the scene at 10:14 p.m. and found the first floor of the home in flames, police said.
The boys’ mother, Kayla Slater, 25, woke up from the fire and rescued her youngest son, Terry Bailey, 4.
Officials said Ms. Slater then tried to get her two older sons from their second-story bedroom, but the intense fire and smoke prevented them from escaping.
Firefighters rescued the two boys, but they were pronounced dead on arrival at area hospitals, police said.
Damonte was taken to Virtua-Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly and Da’Shaun was taken to Rancocas Valley Hospital in Willingboro, police said.
Ms. Slater and her son, Terry, were treated and released for smoke inhalation from Rancocas Hospital, police said.
Ms. Slater is staying with relatives in Willingboro and was unable to be reached for comment.
The two boys attended Roebling Elementary School, where Da’Shaun was a third-grader and Damonte was in the second grade.
"When the children came here on Tuesday (April 30), we had all the guidance counselors come in and give counseling," said Roebling Principal David Connor. "The teachers were upset; we were all upset."
Marie Czepiel, a student assistant counselor for the school district, said counselors and district administrators were made available at Roebling school on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 1, to provide support.
"Those kids who lived in the vicinity (of Foundry Street) dealt with grief and fear," said Ms. Czepiel. "Those who knew the boys are dealing with the loss."
Ms. Czepiel said teachers also needed counseling.
"They wanted to make sure their kids were all right," said Ms. Czepiel.
Ms. Czepiel said counselors assuaged children’s fears by giving them factual information on what happened and reassuring them that they weren’t themselves in danger.
"A lot of people did a lot of good work," said Ms. Czepiel. "Our whole district rallied around the school."
Mr. Connor said school officials and students are planning a memorial for the two boys, possibly a tree, but nothing specific has been determined.
Anyone who wishes to help the Slater family can send donations to two funds. Money and checks can be sent to the Kayla Slater Fund, c/o Kennedy Financial Center, First Union National Bank, Levitt Parkway and JFK Way, Willingboro 08046.
Also, donations can be sent to the Slater Family Relief Fund at Farmers and Mechanics Bank, attention Branch Manager Audra Ent, PO Box 397, Burlington 08016.
Mr. Connor said money and checks for the two funds also can be sent to Roebling Elementary School, c/o Donna Frappolli, 1330 Hornberger Ave., Roebling 08554.