SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — As fires crept closer to an elderly woman's home in Sevier County, two Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers sprung into action. Caretaker Shawna Carr rescued Janice McCarter, 65, as the wildfires approached Laurel Valley Way.
Her home was the only one on the road, and it was completely lost to the flames. She lost her possessions, her cat and some memorabilia of her father — a World War II veteran.
RELATED: 'I don't think anyone would have ever found her' | Caretaker saves disabled woman from burning home
Tuesday, the two Tennessee State Troopers presented Mccarter with a sentimental gift. A United States veteran burial flag to replace the one belonging to Mccarter's father. It too was burned in the fire.
Days after evacuation, Mccarter needed her medications from her home. That is where she and Carr met State Troopers, Dennis Smith and John Pedigo. They worked the roadblock at the end of the street making sure no one entered for safety reasons.
Trooper Smith put McCarter in the front of his patrol car and took her to get her medicine. Together, they ventured back into the mountain and towards her house. They hoped to find the medication still in the house, but instead, they found rubble and ash.
"I've never been more shaken in all my 32 years in law enforcement than I was at that moment," Smith said.
The home wasn't just filled with possessions. It was filled with memories. Her father built the home as a replica of his childhood home in Townsend Park, and McCarter spent 30 years taking care of it.
"It was the most scared that I've ever been," Petigo said.
"I told you, I said, 'Just look down,'" Smith said. "Your story really hit our heart."
Smith said he put her back into the front seat of his patrol car.
Days later, they gave her a flag that represents the one she lost in the fires — the one she received after the death of her father.
McCarter is living with a friend while finding a new place to live. Troopers banded together with their church, New Life Baptist Church, to also give McCarter a donation to go toward rebuilding her life.
"On behalf of THP, it's a great honor to present to you this flag as a replacement flag in honor of your father, John McCarter," Smith said.
Mccarter doesn't have a home and is staying with a friend. The troopers banded together with their church, New Life Baptist, to present McCarter with a donation in hopes to help her start rebuilding her life.
McCarter's family said she did not have insurance on the home --- The family has started a fundraiser for her. If you would like to donate, click here.