Special Thanks to the Disaster Relief and Recovery Teams of Wakulla County

Men's Fraternity of Wakulla along with Volunteer Wakulla Disaster Relief & Recovery would like to thank all those that participated in the Relief & Recovery efforts during the recent weather event with Tropical Storm Fay.  Although we were spared from what  could have been much worse, the effort and teamwork was exemplatory.  As an eyewitness to the cooperation and effort of those involved at the County EOC (Emergency Operations Center) for several days and nights, their concern and dedication was only matched by those in the field who put forth the 'hands on' work to accomplish the task.  In spite of the rain, wind and high water these folks worked diligently to inform, assist and rescue those in harms way.  At times, with little or no notice of the impending flow of high water and limited communications, they were there standing ready to meet the needs.  While working on opposite sides of our county, the Sheriff's Department, Volunteer Firefighters and the National Guard along with others worked hand in glove through the day and night to provide assistance to these residents making sure all were safe and out of harms way.

{sidebar id=1}After what seemed to be endless hours of sleeplessness and mental stress their work was not done.  The rise of the rivers from rain water up state and beyond brought with it more work to protect life and property as the rivers overflowed their banks.  A delegation from Men's Fraternity of Wakulla joined together with Volunteer Wakulla Disaster Relief & Recovery volunteers to provide sandbags to those unable to provide for themselves and to provide transportation to those stranded by the rising water in their community.  Surely the need for citizen volunteers was so evident to assist those who worked endless hours and were exhausted, yet continued to put forth all they had.

As the rains subsided, and the rivers began to recede there was still much to be done.  After meeting with the Salvation Army in Tallahassee, a delegation from Volunteer Wakulla & Men's Fraternity of Wakulla went through the affected areas to assess the needs and hand out 'clean-up kits' to help residents begin to recover.  While the Property Assessors Office and Building and Zoning Department made overall assessments of damage to residences, volunteers from Men's Fraternity and Volunteer Wakulla provided assistance in tree & limb removal and temporary roof repairs.

While for many, it was just a rainy day or night, for others it was giving above and beyond the call of duty.  For some it was stepping out of the norm and stepping up to the plate when helping really counted.  Being 'Neighbors helping Neighbors'.

Our most hardy 'THANKS' and appreciation to each of you that had some small part in protecting our citizens life & property during the recent weather event with Tropical Storm Fay to our community.

(To learn more about being involved in Volunteer-Wakulla & Men's Fraternity of Wakulla visit the 'Cookie Bake-off and Volunteer Fair' at the Agriculture Center Arena this Saturday Sept 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)

Steve Smith, Coordinator
Volunteer-Wakulla Disaster Relief & Recovery,
Men's Fraternity of Wakulla

This letter originally published on September 3, 2008.

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mkwestmark

 

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