UPDATE: Due to an overwhelming response only monetary donations are now being accepted by Philadelphia Ploice Public Affairs. The money will be used to help victims of the quake in Haiti.
Philadelphia police officers are banning together again --this time for their families who were affected by Tuesday’s earthquake in Haiti.
Officer Gregory Tertulien is searching for his 72-year-old father who he has not spoken to since the disaster.
“I haven’t gotten in contact with him yet but I am hoping for the best,” said Officer Tertulien.
More than a dozen Haitian police officers from the department are sending money and supplies to family members who were displaced.
“Several of the officers have been notified that they have lost family members. Others have been unable to contact their family members and have found they are homeless,“ Sgt. Rodney Poliard.
The officers are teaming up with the community to send over money, baby food, water and first-aid supplies. Commissioner Charles Ramsey decided to allow the officers to concentrate on this assignment full-time for now.
“These officers have all volunteered to change their shift and dedicate their time to help and I am very proud of them for that,” said Commissioner Ramsey.
The officers hope to travel to Haiti to officer hands-on help but will have to wait because of the high volume of relief efforts already there.
Until then the officers, like many, are praying and helping the best way they can.
“It’s hard it’s my father you know but what I can do I am doing now and with the help of the police commissioner and the city I am coping with it,” said Officer Tertulien.
To help the officers with their mission click here.
