SHERIFF HANAK GIVES THANKS TO RESPONDERS AFTER HISTORIC FLOODS
Recently our community experienced devastating, historic flooding resulting in the loss of life and property. Thousands of our citizens were left without electricity and water. Many lost some or all of their personal possessions. I must compliment Bluebonnet Electric and our local utility companies for taking care of these most urgent matters as soon as they possibly could as they were faced with flooded roads and other impassable areas. For those that experienced delays in having power and water, please know we did what we could to assist them in their time of need and desperation.
Special thanks to the following agencies for their response to this disaster. The Brenham Police and Fire Departments, Washington County E.M.S., our staff at the Sheriff’s office, Texas Task Force Water Rescue Squads, TX DOT, Washington County Road and Bridge, Washington County Dispatch, all Citizens on Patrol, the State and Local Emergency Management Operations, the area Volunteer Fire Departments, those who provided meals and drinks, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens and aircraft operations, the DPS Troopers and supervisors, the Texas DPS aircraft operations, and the families who supported these men and women.
Our county has sustained significant damage to numerous roads and bridges and both the TX DOT and our County Road and Bridge Departments are working tirelessly, around the clock to make these repairs. Since the floods, fences have been washed out causing livestock to roam at will. Please know that our deputies have and will continue to make these calls a priority in an effort to eliminate or reduce accidents. I ask that our citizens remain vigilant and observant while traveling our county and state highways and to continue to report loose livestock to our dispatch office (979-277-7373).
During this flood and post flood cleanup operations, our citizens, our friends, our neighbors, our classmate and our relatives including Jimmy Wayne Schaeffer, Darren Charles Mitchell, Lela Holland, Pyarali Umatiya, and Jarrett Halfmann unfortunately lost their lives. It is our hope that God will remain watchful over these families and provide them with healing as we continue to pray for them.
Lastly, I ask that we all continue to pray for the families of those that have suffered personal tragedy in not only our county but in other areas of our State and Country. God bless our County, our State and our Nation.
Courtesy of: Sheriff Otto Hanak
Thank you to Sheriff Hanak! I was traveling through Brenham at the time and was unable to go any further. We stayed at a gas station where we were assured by Sheriff Hanak that we were in the safest place possible and he checked in on us frequently and kept us posted about road conditions and the weather. Lives were saved that evening because of his and his Deputies efforts. I am forever grateful and blessed to have been under the care and guidance of this great man and his team.
What about the other agencies that helped such as Burton Police Department they should also be included in the thanks.
It is easy to understand why others were willing to go ‘above & beyond’ to assist Sheriff Hanak and his GREAT TEAM!
Thank you Sheriff Hanak and all the responders. You work and efforts did not go unnoticed. I am proud to be a member of this community with so many caring people.
Thank you Sheriff Hanak for leading us through this local disaster. With your leadership and all agency’s working togather, you make Washington County proud and a leader in Texas county government.