How 37 Florida police departments are working together on Hurricane Ian recovery in SWFL

Tomas Rodriguez, Fort Myers News-Press
·2 min read
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Thirty-seven police departments from Florida continue to work together around the clock to help parts of Southwest Florida recover from Hurricane Ian while helping to ensure no one breaks the rules.

Officials provided an update Wednesday on the mutual aid assistance they've received, announcing an increase in outside police officers who continue to assist in the rescue and recovery effort.

Supporting officers hailing from neighboring police departments continue to pour in, allowing for local officers to return home and check on their own families.

They continue to patrol, provide supplies for those in need, and respond to 911 calls.

Fort Myers Police Acting Chief Randall Pepitone started the news conference by thanking the different parties involved.

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Among them was Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore.

"We are beginning the process of getting our officers some time off to assess their homes and their families," Sizemore said. "And their much-needed rest, so that they can come to work and still continue to do the dangerous work safely and effectively."

Kevin Anderson, mayor of Fort Myers, expressed his gratitude for the response effort.

"Just seven days ago, this city was hit by a horrible, horrible devastating storm," Anderson said. "Yet, we are strong ... We are resilient, and we are bouncing back."

Anderson said a lot of that has to do with first responders.

"For the last two years, it's been a false scenario painted about our police officers," Anderson said. "I think what we've seen in the last seven days is just the opposite ... What we have seen is a level of commitment and service to our community that was immeasurable."

Anderson further thanked officers from other police departments who have helped with traffic control, road patrols, dispatch and 911 calls.

"They've helped us with accepting donations," Valdivia said. "They've helped us with handing out supplies."

Other police chiefs present

Edward Hudak Jr., police chief at the Coral Gables Police Department, represents one of 37 police departments helping out with recovery.

"My fellow chiefs are committed to stay here as long as it takes," Hudak said. "To make sure that your officers are back in their place with their families."

Hudak said he knows what it takes for a community to rebuild itself.

"We're going to stay in these two communities for as long as it needs to happen," Hudak reiterated.

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Twitter @TomasFRoBeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and TikTok @tomasfrodriguez.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Fort Myers Police addresses Hurricane Ian recovery efforts