Donations needed after Hurricane Helene displaces 11 Tampa Police officers, their families

***Donations can be made using the following link: https://secure.anedot.com/tampa-police-benevolent-association/hurricane-helene-relief ***

 

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Police Benevolent association is asking for help from the community after 11 Tampa Police officers and their families were forced out of their homes due to flooding from Hurricane Helene, which ravaged the coast of Florida on Thursday night.

According to Brandon Barclay, president of the Tampa PBA, the homes of 11 officers were destroyed, and though they might not require demolition, they will need to be completely gutted, dried down to the studs, and rebuilt before the officers and their families can move back in.

Complicating matters, Barclay said that most of the officers have children, and that some of the families are being told by insurance companies that it will be months before anything can be done.

Barclay said that most of the impacted officers were on duty and braving the storm while their homes were destroyed.

“Our officers dedicate themselves every day to serving the community, and most of them were out during the worst of the hurricane doing just that,” said Barclay. “They came home from protecting Tampa residents to find their own homes destroyed. Now we’re asking the community to step up in this crucial time and help our officers whose lives have been drastically impacted by Hurricane Helene.”

The impacted officers will continue to keep Tampa’s streets safe, even while enduring these great personal losses.

“No matter their personal circumstances, we know that our officers will continue to show up to work so the residents of Tampa can remain safe,” said Barclay. “We truly have one of the finest and most dedicated police forces in America right here in Tampa. While they continue to protect us every day, we’re hoping that friends of the police in Tampa and beyond will help alleviate some of their struggles.”

All of the money raised will go directly to the impacted officers. Tampa PBA is also working with Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw to secure additional private donor funding for the officers and their families.

Those who wish to contribute can click here.

The Tampa Police Benevolent Association:

The mission of the Tampa Police Benevolent Association is to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Florida; to promote social, charitable, and educational activities; to ensure fidelity to duty under all conditions; to instill a spirit of benevolence, good will, integrity, and mutual respect among our members and the people we serve; to provide for the wellbeing of our members and their families; to promote and sustain fair and equitable treatment of its members;  to provide assistance, protection, and support to members who have been treated unfairly; to prevent unfair labor practices; and to maintain the best possible working conditions and benefits for all members of the organization through the collective bargaining process.