Dallas neighborhood police officers (NPOs) are working on a different beat, helping elderly residents keep cool by providing new air conditioning units.
With the recent string of 100-degree days, it is dangerous for anyone not to have a place to cool off.
“In my opinion, and I’m pretty positive about this, heat does not have an age. I don’t care if you’re 10, 25, or 50. It’s hot,” officer Torey Dugas with South Central Patrol told WFAA.
While NPOs were out checking on residents, they came across an older woman whose A/C had gone out. Fortunately, they were able to find one for her within a day. Officer Dugas reported that another senior citizen had been a victim of a violent incident in which his AC units were damaged, and they helped him obtain an air conditioning unit.
Locating AC units is not the only job of the Dallas officers; they also provide information about resources available to the community.
“The heat factor is huge. There are so many people out here who are lacking resources and information, and our job as an NPO unit is to give them some resources that would assist them,” said Dallas Police Sgt. Mavin Tyler.
During a discussion with a senior citizen’s group, officers learned that higher than usual electric bills were putting a strain on residents. Some reported that their bills were as high as $500. The officers said they would try to help them find assistance to pay their bills.
Most of the A/C units the officers give to the elderly are donated. If you are interested in contributing to helping those in need, contact Sgt. Tyler at 214-671-4532.
“Seeing the smiles on their faces knowing a senior citizen is going to be cooled off on these really hot days, it makes me feel great,” said Dugas.
Forecasters predict temperatures will hover at 100 or above for at least the next seven days.