Texas police officers have been working around the clock to protect and serve their communities in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
They’ve taken on extra shifts and are going far beyond the call of duty to maintain order in their jurisdictions.
“Deputies, dispatch and support staff are working beyond scheduled shifts, getting to victims due to the inundation of high-water rescue calls,” a post from the Texas Sheriff’s Deputies Facebook page said. “The call for duty is exhausting at times, but it’s what we do. Our Detentions staff is tasked with keeping nearly 10,000 inmates, currently in our custody, safe and out of harm’s way. They, too, are working on low fumes.”
Some of these officers are literally working until they drop. That was the case for one deputy from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Texas Sheriff’s Deputies’ Facebook page, the deputy worked 12+ hours through the night until his body forced him to rest.
“This photo was sent to me by [a] friend at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office,” the post, by someone named Ghost, read. “This deputy worked 12+ hours thru the night, doing high water rescues. Worked until he couldn’t stand anymore. This man and hundreds more just like him are out there saving Texans!! Much respect sir!”
The photo was first shared on Reddit on Aug. 27.
Social media users have said that the photo is of Deputy Sheriff Bob Goerlitz, who has been on the force since June 1990, though the Harris County Sheriff’s Office has not yet confirmed this, according to the Independent.
“My son is a deputy constable with Harris County Precinct 5 (Houston),” one Redditor wrote underneath the officer’s photo. “He just got off a 26-hour shift and was told to go home and rest but he is on call. It is mayhem out there. Those guys work so hard. It is not an easy area to work especially under these circumstances but they do a great job.”
The photo depicts the officer posted up against a desk, wearing waders, and leaning on a bag of charcoal fast asleep after falling out from exhaustion.
“This photo represents so many first responders,” the Harris County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook. “Their non-stop dedication to Texans is unbelievable. Continue to keep the victims in Harvey’s path in your prayers. Are deputies, dispatch, detentions, and support staff, too. #thankful.”
The local police departments have been stretched thin responding to the storm, which was downgraded to a tropical storm, and subsequent rising water levels.
Many on social media are applauding their efforts in helping to save residents and their property.
“God bless all who are working to save and rescue people,” one woman wrote on Facebook. “Thank you very much.”
Unfortunately, they are now faced with having to evacuate residents. Here’s how you can help:
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