The Dispatchers of Calcasieu Parish (Lake Charles, Louisiana) & Westlake Police have devastating losses as a result of Hurricane Laura. We have people on the ground and we are in contact with 9-1-1 Director's in the area. Some centers do not have phone lines so we have people trying to make personal contact by driving to the centers. We will have a better count soon but we know AT LEAST TEN Dispatchers have had lost their homes and others have been unable to get to check on their homes to see the extent of damage. Please do what you can to help!
Due to so many "headlines" these days, this tragedy isn't getting the coverage that it deserves. Here are a few facts for you:
-Calcasieu Parish isn't expected to have electricity or water for 5 weeks.
So even if your home wasn't blown away, you still don't have water or AC.
-Luckily there is a bunkhouse within the 911 center
-The 911 center CAN NOT accept donations or deliveries at this time.
(the front of the bldg is blocked by downed wires and debris. The back door is not accessible to the public. UPS, Postal and FedEx are not yet delivering)
Here is what you can do!
1-Pass the hat in your dispatch center and send a check to:
Bill Vincent, Secretary/Treasurer
LA APCO - Sunshine Fund
300 Millcreek Rd. - Lafayette, LA 70508
(make sure to note "911 CARES" on the note area of the check-
see below why)
We also encourage you to approach your Union, your state NENA and APCO Chapter, your vendors or anyone that may be able to donate.
LA-APCO Chapter has set up a fund that goes directly into the
(See why below)
3-Collect GIFT CARDS
For those that have an immediate need for household goods, food, repair supplies, etc. Please consider any of the following:
VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, WAL-MART, KROGER, WALGREEN'S, LOWE'S, HOME DEPOT, H-E-B.
Send it to: Bill Vincent, Secretary/Treasurer
LA APCO - Sunshine Fund
300 Millcreek Rd. - Lafayette, LA 70508
(make sure to include a note saying who the donation is from AND the words 911 CARES. See why below)
Make Mention of 911 CARES in your donation!
We are trying something new by funneling donations directly to the LA-APCO Chapter rather than to us.
Normally, we do matching funds or give you updates as donations come in but we have a long relationship with Louisiana APCO (Going back 15 years with hurricane Katrina)
We trust them to distribute the funds quickly and equitably to those in need.
We have already made a $100 donation and the more you donate, we will match the first $900 for a total of $1000.00.
Make sure you mention 911 CARES when making your donation!
We will post updates on our Facebook page - "like" our page to get updates.
Thank you all so much. We know that times are tough but our brothers and sisters need us. Let's get creative and pass the hat or check with folks that may be willing to help these wonderful fellow 9-1-1 Professionals
