I had the chance to interview the Director of Facilities Mr. Reggie Tabor about the fire that happened in Mitchell Hall. If you didn’t know, Mr. Tabor was the first person to notice the fire and was able to call 911.  

Sydney Vetter – At what point did you notice there was a fire?

Mr. Reggie Tabor – It was a Saturday morning when the fire broke out. I was doing some work in Founders Hall. I needed to get some more tools from the maintenance shop so I hopped in my golf cart and noticed the smoke coming out of the attic vent of Mitchell Hall. 

Sydney Vetter – What was your first thought when you saw the smoke?

Mr. Reggie Tabor – My first thought was to go into the building to try to distinguish the fire.  I opened the door and immediately said, this was too big for me to try to handle by myself.

Sydney Vetter – What was your immediate action to the smoke?

Mr. Reggie Tabor – My first reaction to the smoke was to call 911 and say there was a fire at Northlake Christian School. 

Sydney Vetter – In what ways is your job more difficult now since the fire?

Mr. Reggie Tabor – I don’t think my job is more difficult because of the Fire situation, I just think that I am more aware of things that could possibly start a fire.  

Sydney Vetter – Lastly, how are you trying to stay positive through this time?

Mr. Reggie Tabor –  I just think how God has it all under control. 

I asked Mr. Tabor if there was anything more he wanted to share:

On Saturday mornings I’m usually cycling with my friends, but that particular Saturday it was raining  So I didn’t ride. That morning I went on campus to meet with a crew to start cleaning the AC ductwork in Founders Hall, so happened to be a fire restoration crew. At that time, that’s when the fire had broken out in Mitchell Hall. So the same people who are doing the remediation in Mitchell Hall are the same people who were already on campus doing the A/C cleaning in Founders Hall. That shows you how God has a plan and has it all worked out before you even know it. That company was already on campus before the fire started. They had started working as soon as the firefighters put the fire out. I just thank God that there were no children in the building at the time of the fire. There are so many positive things that came out of this situation and shows you how God has it in his hands.

I want to add to what Mr. Tabor has shared. Truly, God is amazing, and everything unfolds according to His divine plan. It was part of God’s plan for Mr. Tabor to be on campus during this time. Looking at the situation, I can see how much worse it could have been, and I am grateful that it was not. As a student at Northlake Christian School, I am deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support from parents, teachers, staff, and fellow students. It reassures me of the strength and unity we share as a community. I am truly blessed to be a part of Northlake Christian School.