Virginia Law Enforcement Reunites with Mississippi Police for First Time After Hurricane Katrina
May 14, 2009 | Virginia News
Commonwealth’s State & Local Police Honored for Work Following Deadly Storm
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Picayune Police Department of Pearl River County, Miss., recognized in a special ceremony, Monday, May 11, 2009, members from the Alexandria Police, Prince William County Police and Virginia State Police for the manpower and logistical support provided in the weeks following Hurricane Katrina. Picayune Police Chief Jim Luke presented each agency with a city proclamation and plaque acknowledging the Virginia agencies’ extraordinary work and assistance.
“I described Virginia’s law enforcement officers then as ‘angels with badges’ because we were very fortunate to have them help our city during a time of great difficulty,” said Chief Jim Luke. “We wanted to come back to our law enforcement friends in Virginia and say thank you for their commitment to public safety and helping our city remain safe in the midst of major turmoil.” In 2005, Hurricane Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast causing widespread destruction and significant damage to infrastructure. The City of Picayune, consisting of 14 square miles and 40 sworn officers, requested assistance with general law enforcement duties, such as service calls and security. Picayune is one of the highest points closest to the Gulf Coast. Located 45 miles from New Orleans, La., the city’s population tripled in size immediately following the catastrophic storm. “We were humbled by the experiences we received during our time in Mississippi, but we are more thankful the City of Picayune and our police counterparts are stronger and back on their feet,” said Deputy Chief Earl Cook with the Alexandria Police Department. The Commonwealth responded to the call for aid by deploying three multi-jurisdictional teams over the course of a month to Pearl River County, Miss., which consisted of Alexandria, Prince William and Virginia State Police. The first multi-agency task force left Virginia on Oct. 10, 2005 and worked 12-hour shifts while living in tents in Picayune. In addition to providing back-up support to law enforcement, the Commonwealth also donated surplus equipment to Mississippi: light bars, holsters, pistol belts, armored vests and computers. “When the initial news of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation reached us, we began planning in case our help would be needed,” added Charlie T. Deane, Prince William County Police Chief. “We were fortunate to be able to send a variety of resources, and I’m proud of the commitment and dedication that our responding officers displayed.” This was also the farthest the Virginia State Police have ever been called away from the Commonwealth and for such an extended length of time to assist another state with law enforcement duties. “It was rewarding for our troopers to be part of the re-building process in Mississippi,” explained Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police. “Many members of the Picayune community thanked the task force teams daily for their response efforts. More importantly, this was a testament to the human spirit and what can be done when we all work together for the common good.” The Picayune Police Department is visiting Virginia while attending 2009 National Police Week, May 10-16, 2009, in Washington D.C.Next entry: Virginia’s Annual Crime Analysis Report Now Available on VSP Web Site
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