Letter to the Editor: Kindness in the rain

On the evening of Sept. 23, 2014, the city of Winter Park had a downpour unlike anything we have seen since the hurricanes of 2004. Our Winter Park Police Department was inundated with calls regarding flooded streets, stalled cars and roadways that were impassable due to flooding. The teamwork between the Fire-Rescue Department and other city departments was amazing, but that is something that fortunately we have come to expect. I write today to thank the countless citizens that came to the aid of our officers during this event. My watch commander relayed that while she was out in the rain in calf-deep water trying to push a disabled car that was blocking the passage of other vehicles, she was joined by a passerby (whose name she was too tied up to write down) that threw down her umbrella and helped her push the car from the roadway. Other citizens assisted whether by helping push cars, or by their patience as we worked our way through the calls for service before we could get to their immediate need.

As police chief I want everyone to know how proud I am of not only our officers and fellow city workers, but I am proud of those we serve who pitched in during less-than-ideal circumstances. Your assistance was appreciated and it does not go unnoticed.

Brett C. Railey

Chief of Police

Winter Park Police Department