House fire leaves Somerset County police officer and family displaced; GoFundMe launched

BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — A weekend house fire in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater Township displaced a Somerville police officer and his family, prompting an outpouring of community support and a fast-growing online fundraiser.

Fire crews from Martinsville and multiple mutual aid companies responded late Saturday morning to Eastbrook Road for a reported structure fire. Departments remained on scene for hours as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control. No injuries were reported.

The fire destroyed the home of Somerville Police Officer Vito Spadea, his wife, Kim, and their two daughters, ages 8 and 10. The family lost all of their belongings in the fire.

According to a GoFundMe created by Lindsey Calistri and Emily Calistri, the family is now facing the “heartbreaking reality of starting completely from scratch.”

“While we are grateful that everyone is safe, they are now facing the heartbreaking reality of starting completely from scratch,” the organizers wrote. They noted Officer Spadea’s service as a D.A.R.E. officer in Somerville’s schools and Kim’s role as PTO president, describing the family as “the first to show up for others.”

The fundraiser aims to help the family with immediate living needs, clothing, essentials and long-term recovery as they rebuild their lives.

As of Sunday morning, more than $55,800 had been raised.