When tragedy hits far from home, the response can still start in Chicago.
A group of Chicago police officers are volunteering their time in Colombia to help families affected by the recent earthquake there. The 7.4 magnitude earthquake on August 10 killed more than 300 people and injured thousands, and the country is still trying to recover.
Chicago Police Officer Scott Florez told NBC Chicago it has been hard seeing the damage in Colombia firsthand, and that it puts his job in the city into perspective.
“It’s something else, as a police officer to get to see a lot of different things that happen in Chicago, but tragedy like this, there’s no words,” he said.
Florez and four other officers are on a humanitarian trip for South Fork United. The group are also members of the Chicago Police Soccer Club.
“This is a region that we have been to before to play soccer with the community,” he said. “It has a special place for us to come out.”
The officers plan to spend five days visiting some of the hardest-hit areas to distribute supplies and materials to help families rebuild their homes. Cellphone video sent by the group shows them handing out bags of cement.
“It’s an honor to help these people, a passion to help them rebound and start from scratch,” he said.
Florez said his club teamed up with organizers of Colombia Fest to raise nearly $9,000. Local businesses and restaurants donated their time, food and services for the fundraiser earlier this month.
“We have friends and family over there, so our responsibilityknow as an immigrant and citizens here to help out,” said Jorge Luis Ortega, Colombia Fest Director. “I’m really thankful that Chicago come through and deliver, you know thank you Chicago.”
Florez said the recovery effort is ongoing. He said he is doing everything with love to show Colombians that Chicago cares.
“We’re a first-class city, we’re a world class city, and we’re doing everything to represent the city, represent the police department,” said Florez.
The group will deliver groceries to families on Sunday and fly back to Chicago on Tuesday.
Read more from NBC 5.
