Daniel Rodrigue, Brookhaven Campus journalism professor and faculty adviser, faced one of the most difficult experiences that anyone can imagine. On Halloween night, and the day of his birthday, Rodrigue was enjoying a movie night after trick-or-treating with his family, when suddenly he smelled smoke.

It was 8:45 p.m. when he asked his young son if he also smelled smoke. He said “no” and kept watching the movie.

Rodrigue checked the kitchen and the bathroom where candles were lit. A little later, a neighbor knocked his door and warned him that smoke was coming out of his garage.