Atlanta Woman Honors Firefighters Who Gave Her Chance to Say Goodbye to Daughter

Elizabeth Gill holds annual luncheon to thank first responders who pulled her daughter from deadly fire

Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:31am

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Elizabeth Gill has spent the last 10 years volunteering and supporting Atlanta firefighters after they pulled her daughter Rachel Thorn from a deadly fire in 2016. Though Thorn later died from her injuries, Gill is forever grateful the firefighters gave her a chance to see her daughter one last time before she passed away.

Why it matters

Gill's story highlights the critical role firefighters play in emergency situations, as well as the profound impact they can have on the lives of those they serve, even in the face of tragedy. Her annual luncheon to honor the firefighters who responded that day is a testament to the power of gratitude and community support.

The details

In the early morning hours of February 21, 2016, Gill's daughter Rachel Thorn was trapped in a fire at Pharr Manor in Buckhead, Atlanta. Firefighters from Station 4, led by Captain Chip Newell, were able to pull Thorn from the burning building, but she had suffered severe injuries. Thorn was transported to the hospital, where she passed away 10 hours later. Despite the heartbreak, Gill was grateful the firefighters gave her the chance to see her daughter one last time before she died.

  • On February 21, 2016, Thorn was trapped in a fire at Pharr Manor.
  • Thorn was pulled from the building by firefighters but died 10 hours later at the hospital.
  • Every year on February 21st, Gill holds a luncheon to honor her daughter and the firefighters who responded that day.

The players

Elizabeth Gill

A woman from Atlanta who has dedicated the last 10 years of her life to volunteering and supporting local firefighters after they pulled her daughter from a deadly fire in 2016.

Rachel Thorn

Gill's daughter who died in a fire at Pharr Manor in Atlanta in 2016.

Chip Newell

Captain of Atlanta Fire Station 4, who led the firefighters that responded to the fire at Pharr Manor and pulled Thorn from the building.

Atlanta Fire Department

The fire department that responded to the fire at Pharr Manor and whose firefighters gave Gill the chance to say goodbye to her daughter.

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What they’re saying

“They were telling us to get out of the building because the roof was going to come in on us. But yes, I remember seeing her in the bedroom.”

— Chip Newell, Captain, Atlanta Fire Station 4

“That's what they saved. The chance to see her, to be with her, to pray over her. They saved the moments he had with her.”

— Elizabeth Gill

“It's amazing how grief will take you down different trails. A grief-stricken mother losing her daughter in a structure fire has turned that grief into such a positive change. That's absolutely amazing.”

— Chip Newell, Captain, Atlanta Fire Station 4

What’s next

Gill plans to continue holding the annual luncheon on February 21st to honor her daughter's memory and thank the firefighters who responded that tragic day.

The takeaway

Gill's story is a powerful testament to the impact first responders can have, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Her annual luncheon to honor the firefighters who gave her a final chance to say goodbye to her daughter is a moving example of how grief can be transformed into gratitude and community support.