NOBLE Extends Thoughts and Prayers to Those Affected by Hurricane Ida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) Extends Thoughts and Prayers to Those Affected by Hurricane Ida

Alexandria, VA. – September 2, 2021 – The National Organization for Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) extends its thoughts and prayers to the law enforcement officers, members, stakeholders and constituents who have been significantly impacted by Hurricane Ida as it continues its deadly path of destruction across the Northeast. NOBLE acknowledges the selfless dedication of our first responders in helping the citizens of their communities while keeping their own families safe.

"I commend our first responders for balancing their personal needs with their professional calling,” said NOBLE National President Frederick L. Thomas. “The impacts of Hurricane Ida are being felt by everyone in the Gulf Coast, including our law enforcement officers while at work and off duty. A day in the life of an officer currently consists of leaving home and loved ones behind with no power to get on the job and assist others who also have no power.”

President Thomas is Captain of the Scotlandville substation at the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana. He is leading rescue efforts shoulder to shoulder with his law enforcement team to keep the peace, make resources available and respond to emergency situations with the highest degree of integrity. These efforts include:

Providing resources to family members of law enforcement with meals and essentials during the storm
Providing security at shelters and providing assistance to help displaced citizens with help from FEMA
Escorting utility workers to highly impacted communities where the power is out

“Recovery will take time and we appreciate the local teams and outside crews who have showed up to clear roads, restore power, rescue citizens and make supplies available,” said President Thomas. The combination of a major hurricane along with the coronavirus pandemic has made a difficult situation even more dangerous and financially damaging. In light of this, NOBLE has identified resources for the Gulf Coast region.

Short-term relief:

If you have internet access, check these pages for updates:

If you are without internet, get updates by phone or text:

State updates from the Louisiana Governor's Office:
Text IDA to 67283
Sign up for phone calls by going to Smart911
Text updates from The Advocate and NOLA.com:
Text IDA to (225) 414-6471 for metro Baton Rouge

Download the full statement here.

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About the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives

Since 1976, The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) has served as the conscience of law enforcement by being committed to justice by action. NOBLE represents over 3,000 members internationally, who are primarily African American chief executive officers of law enforcement agencies at federal, state, county and municipal levels, other law enforcement administrators, and criminal justice practitioners. For more information, visit www.NOBLENational.org.