CPD officers travel to Colombia to help with earthquake relief – NBC Chicago
A group of Chicago police officers are volunteering their time to help families impacted by the recent devastating earthquake in Colombia.
The 7.4 magnitude earthquake on August 10 killed more than 300 people and injured thousands of others, and the country is still trying to recover from the disaster.
Chicago Police Officer Scott Florez told NBC Chicago it’s been hard seeing the devastation and destruction in Colombia firsthand, and that it puts his job in the city 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 said.
Florez and four other officers are on a humanitarian trip for South Fork United, and the group are also members of the Chicago Police Soccer Club.
“This is a region that we have been to before to play soccer with the community,” he said. “It has a special place for us to come out.”
They plan to visit some of the hardest hit areas over the course of five days to distribute supplies and materials to help families rebuild their homes. Cellphone video sent by the group shows them giving away bags of cement.
“It’s an honor to help these people, a passion to help them rebound and start from scratch,” he said.
His club teamed up with organizers of the Colombia Fest to raise nearly $9,000. Local businesses and restaurants chipped in to donate their time, food and services 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,” said Jorge Luis Ortega, Colombia Fest Director. “I’m really thankful that Chicago come through and deliver, you know thank you Chicago.”
Florez said the recovering effort is ongoing. He’s doing everything with love showing 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,” said Florez.
The group will deliver groceries for families on Sunday and fly back to Chicago on Tuesday.