As we take toll of the historic devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey, our thoughts are with all first responders who have worked tirelessly on rescue and relief efforts. Many of those responders have lost their own homes and their departments face a long road to recovery.
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By Police1 Staff
HOUSTON — Officers who were out rescuing residents from floodwaters and keeping the community safe have no home to return to.
The Fort Worth Police Officers’ Association tweeted Thursday that nearly 200 Houston officers lost their homes when Harvey hit. The police union told Fox News that more than 500 officers have been affected by flooding.
Donations of food, water, clothing and other items have poured in. Police officials said money can be sent to Assist the Officer as well.
Vice President of the police union Douglas Griffith said they’ve been overwhelmed with people wanting to help.
“I can’t say enough about the people who have come out and helped us. We’ve had people delivering food to our officers every single day,” Griffith told Fox. “I can’t tell you how blessed we’ve been with all the donations.”
Houston officers have been working mandatory 12-hour shifts and cleaning up their flooded homes in between shifts. The department has also been struggling with the death of Sgt. Steve Perez, who died after becoming trapped in high water while on his way to work.
“Our guys have stepped up and done a wonderful job. And I’m proud of every single one of them,” Griffith said.
Down the street from the police station, Trinity Lutheran Church is offering showers to officers. They have also set up a store with donations that allows officers to pick up what they need.
“This is our way of saying thanks, and we’re willing to share our space to help and be good neighbors too,” Senior Pastor Michael Dorn said.
Because of the influx in donations they’ve received, the Houston Police Department and church decided to send donations down to police agencies near Corpus Christi and Rockport. The homes of all five Port Aransas officers were destroyed.