Seattle Police Officer’s Matthew Roberson, Erin Rodriguez and youth mentee Marianna Sijera are back in Seattle from Houston, Texas where they teamed up to assist with Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts along with dozens of other National Police Athletic League (PAL) volunteers. While in Houston they distributed pallets of critical supplies and aided the community by going to various homes impacted by Hurricane Harvey, replacing sheet rock and removing debris.
“Seeing the damage firsthand puts a lot of things into perspective. I’m glad we were able to step up as a department and help our fellow officers in Houston and the community in general,” said SPD Officer Matthew Roberson.
“Houston will take a while to recover, every little bit helps. Working side by side with volunteers from all across the country is just one step toward recovery,” said SPD Officer Erin Rodriguez.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to help out in Houston, it felt really good to see all those young people there lending a hand. I’ve always lived by the saying ‘give to others and don’t ask for anything in return because one day it will come back to you in another form.’ This opportunity that I just experienced had opened my eyes to the world and I want to make a difference.” said Marianna Sijera Youth Mentee, Seattle Police Athletic League.