By Amanda Pevey
Elmore/Autauga News
Top Photo: Pastor Peter Cova with children Malachi and Makeena.
Late Sunday afternoon, February 5th, the home of Pastor Peter Cova, who lives near the area of New Life Christian Academy in Millbrook, lost his home and everything inside after a grease fire. Cova is a Pastor for New Life Church in Millbrook. He is also a Chaplain for the City of Millbrook and a Police Chaplain, as well as a Reserve Officer for Millbrook Police Department.
Fire Marshall Doyle Campbell, with the Millbrook Fire Department, stated the call came in at 4:19 p.m., and the first unit was on scene in under four minutes. The fire was under control in about eight minutes, but a lot of damage was done. A total of 10 support staff was on scene. The main area of damage was the kitchen, due to a kitchen grease fire. The Millbrook Fire Department also rescued a cat. The cat had smoke inhalation and needed oxygen.
By the grace of God, Cova said he walked out his back porch safely and within a minute the house was filled up with smoke.
“I tried to run back in to see what was going on and could not get past the entry way from all the smoke,” said Cova.
Cova continued, “My children were not home at the time, and it was just myself and my cat, Reese Cup. She is named this because she looks like candy. I was not able to get to Reese Cup due to all the smoke and the wonderful Millbrook Fire Department was able to run inside and get her for me. They had her in the front yard and placed her on oxygen and brought her back to life. These wonderful firefighters saved my cat!”
“Even though all my earthly possessions are gone, I am alive and I am ok,” said Cova.
Cova was recruited by Assistant Chief Johnny Montgomery to help create the Police Chaplain program. “I just want to say that there is no way I’d be who I am today if it wasn’t for these men and women who completely changed my life. They are a family that truly loves and cares for each other,” said Cova.
“Pastor Cova is one of the MIllbrook Police Department’s Chaplains and was instrumental in assisting the department in creating our Chaplain program,” said Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson.
Johnson continued, “We are saddened to hear that he and his family have experienced this tragic loss of their property due to a house fire. Pastor Cova and his family play a huge role with our department and this community. They are part of our law enforcement family and we will be there for them, just as he’s been there for our officers and their families in times of need.”
“If you don’t quit, you cannot lose,” said Cova’s father, Alan Cova. This quote is the Cova’s Mantra for the family.
Alan Cova continued, “Even in the times like this, there are so many people that still care for one another. When you go through a situation like this, even if just a small donation, or just a prayer to the family, it means that you still care! “
“I’d like to thank this wonderful community for continuing to do what it has done my entire life growing up here and that is always being a family,” said Peter Cova.
Peter continued, “Blood or not we have always shown love and I’m so proud to call this place home because of the people here. They love unconditionally and without reservation. Thank you all for your prayers and support through this difficult time. Y’all make it so much easier.”
To visit the go fund me link that has been established for the family, please go to: https://gofund.me/bb5ffee0
A list of needed items and sizes are below:
Children-
Malachi- son, age 11- size 12 boy clothes. He loves nerf guns.
Makeena, daughter, age 9- size 12 girl clothes. She loves make up and art stuff.
Peter Cova- Size Large in shirts. Size 34/34 in pants.
Needed items-
Toiletries/Non-perishable items/Tote boxes/Big Garbage Bags
The family is having to start over. If anyone would like to donate items for the family, they can be sent to New Life Church in Millbrook located at: 4230 Highway 14. The office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. You can also reach the church office at : 334-285-6996. Also, if anyone has a storage facility that the Cova family to use for the time being, please let the church office staff know.
