Khalilah Lavine shows a one-year certificate to Squirrel Run Golf Course to Jibran Lavine. Her son was given a set of golf clubs and the certificate Monday.

Jibran Lavine knew a surprise was in store Monday afternoon when he entered the New Iberia fire station on Hacker Street with a group of firefighters. Exactly what the surprise was about, he didn’t know.

The 16-year-old Westgate High School student was invited to the fire station by members of the New Iberia Fire Association, who had a special treat in mind ever since they had heard about the fire that destroyed the home of Lavine and his mother Khalilah Lavine.

NIFA were told that Jibran Lavine, who plays for the Westgate golf team, had his set of golf clubs stolen after the tragic fire. A set of used golf clubs was being sought but the firefighters had a better idea.

“We thought the next logical step would be to see if we can get him set up the right way,” Joe Foret, a firefighter, said. “Our fundraising efforts go to things like that.”

The fire association is made up of firefighters from all around Iberia Parish who raise money for deserving people, The Lavines qualified for the list.

On May 23, the family’s house at 203 St. John St., caught fire at 2:45 a.m. for reasons still being investigated. Khalilah Lavine said the incident was an intentional arson, but evidence has been scarce.

“It’s probably easier to tear down than (renovate), there’s a skylight now in it,” she said. “The front room is totaled, the master bedroom is totaled from water damage because there’s a 100% molding.”

Since the blaze, items in the house that could have been saved were stolen, she said. One of those items was a set of golf clubs.

Jibran Lavine started playing golf last year. Khalilah Johnson said he “got a little push from his mother” because she also played the game in her high school days.

Capt. Mark McAnally and Foret consulted with Jibran’s coach and teachers to get an exact idea about which set to bu. Then a decision was made to raise approximately $400 to purchase a new set.

Squirrel Run Golf Course also pitched in. Manager Kevin Hebert said he would see Jibran at the golf course practicing with the Westgate team. Along with the new set, Hebert provided a year long membership to Squirrel Run to play for free.

“The only requirement is that you practice hard and aim straight,” Hebert told Jibran Lavine.

Jibran beamed when the golf set was presented in tandem with the certificate. Although Lavine  hopes to go to New York University after high school to study film, he isn’t ruling out a stint as a professional golfer.

His mother said she wants him to be happy, but also wouldn’t mind being his caddy on the green.

“He can be the next Tiger Woods. I have faith,” Khalilah Lavine said.