By Joanna Putman
Police1
TAMPA, Fla. — Officers with the Tampa Police Department were able to evacuate a home after a large tree crashed down on it due to Hurricane Milton winds, according to a news release.
As the hurricane battered the area on Oct. 10, Tampa police responded to a 911 call after a tree crashed into a single-story home where 15 people, including several children, were trapped, according to the report.
Officers who were sheltering nearby quickly took action once there was a break in the storm bands. They arrived at the scene and safely evacuated all occupants, transporting them to the nearest shelter. Before leaving, one officer ensured the home’s power was shut off for safety, according to the report
“Every member of this department is committed to the safety of our community,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “The swift actions taken by these officers during a break in the storm bands provided this family with a sense of safety in a time of fear and uncertainty.”
