(WBBM) - Police in Northwest Indiana have come to the aid of one of their own and they’re asking for your help too.

Five days before Christmas, Lynwood, Ill. Police Officer Kelly Johnson’s home in Dyer, Ind. was destroyed by fire.

According to the Northwest Indiana Times, police say Johnson's three children managed to escape the fire with minor burns, but everything else inside was destroyed including several pets and all the Christmas gifts.

Three days later, a 23-year old man was arrested and charged with setting fire to Officer Johnson’s home.

Why?

Allegedly because he didn’t like police, and he had seen Officer Johnson’s squad car parked outside the home at times.

Lake County, Indiana police say a fund has been set up to help Officer Johnson’s family.    Checks to the Kelly Johnson Benefit Fund can be sent to the First Midwest Bank in Crown Point, 1100 N. Main St., Crown Point, Ind. 46307 and the 1st National Bank of Illinois in Lynwood, 19500 Torrence Ave., Lynwood, Ill. 60411.