When fire victims return to their homes and find nothing but ash and rubble, they often assume their most precious belongings are gone forever. But Jeff Levy sees an opportunity to surprise them. Armed with metal detectors, shovels, and a lot of heart, Levy has spent over three decades helping wildfire victims recover their most cherished items.

Affectionately called the “angel of debris,” Levy has a knack for finding treasures others think are lost for good. From diamond rings to retirement savings, he’s uncovered items that bring tears of joy to those who’ve lost nearly everything. “I just want to help,” Levy says, refusing to accept payment for his work.

One of his most emotional finds was a diamond engagement ring belonging to Lisa De Lange. After the Eaton Fire destroyed their home, De Lange and her fiancé, Mark Pastor, were devastated. They’d rushed out with their pets and left the ring behind. Levy spent six hours sifting through ashes until he found the charred but intact ring. “It was better than when he gave it to me the first time,” De Lange later shared.

Levy’s work isn’t just about recovering valuables—it’s about restoring hope. One retiree had converted his savings into gold bars and hidden them in a shoebox, only for his home to burn down. Levy braved unstable debris and collapsing walls to dig through the wreckage, eventually finding the gold. “His whole retirement is back to him,” Levy said.

Another memorable moment came when Levy helped the Lin family recover Chinese gold ingots just before Lunar New Year. These symbolic treasures represent prosperity, something the Lins thought they’d lost forever. Levy found one engraved with the phrase “Double happiness,” leaving the family in awe. “He’s like the angel of debris,” Ken Lin said.

For Levy, every recovery is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. “I think it’s a very good sign for better things to come after the tragedy,” he says. Through his kindness and determination, Levy proves that even in the darkest times, there’s always a glimmer of light.

Not all heroes wear capes—some wear hazmat suits and carry shovels.