CPD officers journey to Colombia to assist with earthquake aid – NBC Chicago

A bunch of Chicago law enforcement officials are volunteering their time to assist households impacted by the current devastating earthquake in Colombia.

The 7.4 magnitude earthquake on August 10 killed greater than 300 folks and injured hundreds of others, and the nation continues to be making an attempt to get well from the catastrophe.

Chicago Police Officer Scott Florez informed NBC Chicago it’s been laborious seeing the devastation and destruction in Colombia firsthand, and that it places his job within the metropolis into perspective.

“It’s something else, as a police officer to get to see a lot of different things that happen in Chicago, but tragedy like this—there’s no words,” he stated.

Florez and 4 different officers are on a humanitarian journey for South Fork United, and the group are additionally members of the Chicago Police Soccer Club.

“This is a region that we have been to before to play soccer with the community,” he stated. “It has a special place for us to come out.”

They plan to go to a few of the hardest hit areas over the course of 5 days to distribute provides and supplies to assist households rebuild their properties. Cellphone video despatched by the group exhibits them gifting away baggage of cement.

“It’s an honor to help these people, a passion to help them rebound and start from scratch,” he stated.

His membership teamed up with organizers of the Colombia Fest to lift almost $9,000. Local companies and eating places chipped in to donate their time, meals and providers for the fundraiser earlier this month.

“We have friends and family over there, so our responsibilityknow as an immigrant and citizens here to help out,” stated Jorge Luis Ortega, Colombia Fest Director. “I’m really thankful that Chicago come through and deliver, you know thank you Chicago.”

Florez stated the recovering effort is ongoing. He’s doing all the pieces with love displaying Colombians that Chicago cares.

“We’re a first-class city, we’re a world class city, and we’re doing everything to represent the city, represent the police department,” stated Florez.

The group will ship groceries for households on Sunday and fly again to Chicago on Tuesday.