ALERT Academy volunteers help with storm cleanup in Smith County

TYLER, Texas (KETK) – Thirty volunteers from the military-themed International ALERT Academy in Big Sandy helped clean up storm damage in Smith County on Thursday.

The group helped elderly or disabled residents who needed help removing storm damage and debris from their property.

“It looks like the community is coming together pretty well,” said Lt. Charlie O’Neal. “We’re already seeing a lot of houses being cleaned up by other people.”

The group had received a list of people they wanted to help from the Smith County Department of Emergency Management, and since Thursday they have been helping people in north Tyler and Bullard.

“Not only are they helping people, but they’re lifting their spirits,” said Smith County Judge Neal Franklin. “They’ve come to help the community, and that’s exactly what they’re doing at ALERT Academy.”

“We have received so much support from first responders, police officers and volunteers; everyone is working so well together,” Franklin said.

To learn more, visit the International ALERT Academy online.