Dale Stockton | Monday, May 2, 2011

As a result of devastating storms and tornadoes, dozens of our fellow officers are in desperate need of help. Many have no housing, no access to basic necessities and little or no safety equipment. In spite of all this, they’re still committed to their responsibilities as law officers. The infrastructure has been destroyed, buildings flattened and it’s hard to know where to even begin. Travis Yates, a long time friend and contributor to Law Officer, is organizing an effort to go right where the help is needed most. A true emergency exists in many areas and fellow officers are in great need right now.

Travis is a Tulsa, Okla., police captain, but that’s only one of his missions in life. He also runs Ten-Four Ministries, PoliceDriving.com and has been a key partner in our Below 100 efforts. For years he’s worked to put donated body armor in the hands of those who need it with a program called Vests for Life. He’s the real deal and I trust him as much as any person I have ever met.

Travis is centering his efforts on the hardest hit areas in Alabama and will be working specifically to get help to first responders. Right now, everything is needed but the most immediate need is financial help. Travis will be putting gift cards for necessities directly into the hands of public safety personnel.

Law Officer has engaged in relief work before and we know just how great the challenge can be. That’s why I want to encourage you to support Travis. You can do that by going to www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/disaster/tenfourministriesinc.

We also want to identify the first responders who have the greatest need. If you know of an officer in this area who has serious and immediate need, please let us know. We will do everything possible to help.

This is truly an “officers need help” request, and I implore you to respond. Help us to help those who serve.