Prince George's County, MD - Police Department : District 5 Newsletters

Beltsville has changed. having grown up in Beltsville, I was accustomed to the landscape and skyline in the area of my old neighborhood stomping grounds I knew as a small boy. The tornado of 2001 changed all that. Many of the huge trees and wooded lots that I expected to see as I traveled through Beltsville were now gone. The view and skyline had been drastically altered. Like many of you, I remember clearly exactly what I was doing the day the tornado struck.

After being notified at home of what occurred, I drove back to the Beltsville area, intending to go back to the District VI station. It turned out not to be quite that simple however. As we all know, the area had been devastated by the tornado's path. I was stunned by what I encountered. There were downed trees, wires blocking roadways, darkness do to no electrical power, and the eerie stillness of the neighborhoods. Clearly, the resources of the Police Department, Fire Department, and utility companies would be strained to their maximum levels as they responded to such widespread damage.

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"When we work together, we can accomplish much, even in the face of great adversity."

As I continued with my often-obstructed attempts to reach the police station, I saw something powerful and comforting in the midst of all the destruction. Everywhere I traveled, and I do mean everywhere, there were residents, you and your neighbors, with chainsaws, rakes, shovels, and many helping hands diligently working together to remove fallen trees and debris from neighbors' homes and blocked streets. Even those not able to assist with clearing debris helped in whatever way they could.

I spoke with several of you as I eased along in my cruiser. Whenever I asked how things were going, your responses were always the same, "We're fine, hold on a minute Captain, we'll have this road cleared for you in a second." I saw no panic and heard no complaining or grumbling. What I saw was a community working together to tackle a common problem. I would like to take this opportunity to commend you all for your help to me, and for your devotion to one another as neighbors and friends during that time. When we work together, we can accomplish much, even in the face of great adversity.