CLEARFIELD – After a tragic fire on Monday night, the community is pulling together to support a mother who lost two sons and her home.
The Lawrence Township Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched around 1:00 a.m. Jan. 28 to a home on Brown Street. When the firefighters arrived the “residence was well involved in fire”, state police reported.
A 17-year old boy and a 16-year-old boy were trapped on the second floor while their mother was able to escape. Because of the heavy winds that night, the fire was difficult to contain, according to media reports.
Police say the cause of the fire is undetermined and the investigation is continuing.
Clearfield School District Superintendent Terry Struble released a statement to the media on Tuesday.
“I write with a saddened heart this morning to share a loss for our school community and our community as a whole. Overnight a house fire in the Hillsdale area claimed the lives of two of our high school students. Hunter, grade 12, and Harley, grade 10, were both involved with our music programs at the school and Hunter was a welding student at the CTC. Both boys were loved by many friends and the school family. We have reached out through the IU and have additional counselors and social workers at the school today and at the CTC. When these tragedies occur, please do not forget the first responders and the neighbors who have worked through this as well. As with any challenging time, prayers for all are encouraged, and the ministerium has also been made aware and they offer their prayer in support.”
On Tuesday evening, a prayer vigil was held by Jim Kane, Chaplain of the Clearfield Fire Department at the Clearfield County Courthouse with about 200 people attending.

Several businesses have already stepped up to help, the boys’ mother, Stephanie Brink. (Their father died from cancer in 2022.)
Toni Frankenfield of The Rock on the River (the old Clearfield County Jail) is accepting monetary donations at their location on Second Street. She suggests dropping off any money during the hours she is on site, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
She has also listed Stephanie’s email for Paypal donations as sbrink427@gmail.com. Please note her late husband, Ron’s name is on the account.
Paypal sends the money directly to Stephanie.
Toni suggested, “Monetary debit cards or gift cards like Walmart are one of the best donations so she can get toiletries and things most won’t get or think of. It’s the stuff that most don’t think about like bedding, a brush, everyday things we use and don’t even think about, even gas and maybe she can start saving towards a new apartment if she chooses. Just a way for her to start healing and rebuilding. I ask all the cash donations and cards of any type be sealed in an envelope as she will be the only one opening them.”
The Tan Zone at 1023 S. Second Street is gathering clothing donations. Stephanie needs size 9 shoes, tops sized 3XL, 22-24 jeans and XXL bottoms, they said on their Facebook page.
For household items, furniture or other donations, one of Stephanie’s neighbors is offering a storage unit.
“We are here next door neighbors of 23 years and owners of the storage units next to the home. We will supply a storage unit for any donations and would like to give her family a key. We also offer a point to drop off any donations – I already have some cash donations. We are located at the corner of Wrigley and Brown St. Please call or text me on 814 577 9074. Stephanie’s neighbors are devastated over this tragedy and will band together to help in any way we can,” it says in another Facebook post.
Country Butcher at 135 Race Street is hoping to help her nutritional needs. They are suggesting people buy a $10 sub card for Stephanie and leave it there for her.
“This will ensure that she has a free meal every day for however long we can provide it. We want to show her that this town cares, we love her and we are going to help take care of her needs.”
Additional proceeds from these sales will also be passed on to her.
Spreading that support to those who fought the fire, they also posted on Tuesday that they are offering a free seven inch sub to all first responders to show their appreciation for all their hard work. This includes not only firefighters, but police, EMS, dispatchers, Game Commission and Fish Commission employees.
Country Butcher has also stated that they are planning another fundraiser to help her which will be announced later.
Animals Matter of Clearfield County has accepted the responsibility of caring for the family dog, Willow who will be staying at Evergreen Kennels for now. They are also accepting donations to not only cover Willow’s expenses, but to further assist Stephanie.
For more information on any of these efforts, check the Facebook pages of these businesses/organizations.
I have no doubt that as I am writing this, more people are planning and finding ways to support this mother as she tries to recover. My prayers are with you, Stephanie.
Times like this show us that even if we disagree on so many things these days, when tragedy strikes, we come together to help each other.