The dramatic rescue operation by the Tampa police of 15 people, including several children, from a house, whose walls crashed through when a tree crashed into the residence last night. It was exposed as much in the drama at the mercy of forces as in the courage and promptness and efficiency of the police officers amid sheer chaos that was the result of the storm.
Shared by the Tampa Police Department, this video shows officers organizing the rescue as they calmly direct inhabitants to safety. In one clip, the officers reassure the family, telling them that they would be moved in multiple emergency vehicles to a safer area.
In another part of the video, officers are seen helping an elderly woman across the damaged home, while another officer is heard trying to comfort three young children, urging them into the back of a police cruiser.
“It’s all right, bubba. It’s all right. You’re all right,” a policeman tells one of the youngsters, repeating it to the others as he led them into a temporary refuge at an elementary school.
All 15 occupants of the house were reportedly evacuated safely. Officers responded to the call, less than two miles from the home, where they had taken shelter during the worst of the storm itself. They could spring into action immediately when there was a break in the bands of the storm. As he left, one officer was sure also to shut down the power to the house, thus not creating a further danger source.
“Every member of this department is dedicated to the safety of our community,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw in a news release. “The swift actions taken by these officers have brought a sense of safety to this family during a very fearful and uncertain time.”
Hurricane Milton struck near Siesta Key, Florida, on Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm. Widespread damage was reported everywhere in the state of Florida. Tampa did not take a direct hit but was exposed to strong winds, tree blows, and possible surges. As the storm continued to move over Florida but weakened its status to become a Category 1 system, emergency crews were working through the night in the entire state to make sure everyone was safe and sound.
This event is an evidence of how dedicated the first responders in Tampa are at the risk of their own safety to ensure others during one of the most powerful storms that have ever been in the region for years. Evacuation at the right time has left this family with glimpses of hope as the city goes through times of devastation and uncertainty because of Hurricane Milton.
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