Tornadoes hit us hard

**Big Al** · 05-06-07, 12:53 PM

I am sure that everyone has seen or heard of tornadoes,, and unlike hurricanes, there is very little, if any warning that these bad assed boys are coming to take you stuff away.. On Friday and Saturday here in Kansas we had at least 40 reported tornadoes. One of them annihilated the town of Greensburg. It wiped out two of our troooper's homes. As of now, they know of 9 killed and lots of injuries. Scary stuff, especially after dark!

Here are a few pics I found of Greensburg.

**Roses** · 05-06-07, 01:51 PM

Our flag is still waving!!!

My prayers for those that lost loved ones and prayers to give strength to those that need to rebuild and recover from this horrific disaster.

Best of luck to each of them.

**BEB** · 05-06-07, 02:00 PM

Nature can be truly humbling.

wow

**TXCharlie** · 05-06-07, 02:13 PM

Sorry to hear that Big Al. Are the troopers & their families ok?

Do y'all have Doppler Radar and National Weather Service alerts over weather radios that can reach those towns? We have all that around our metro areas in texas, but I'm not sure if it covers the more rural areas.

The alerts are electronically coded over the weather radios, so if you have the proper type of radio, it only "wakes up" and sounds an alarm if the MWS puts out a warning for our geographical area.

**gozling** · 05-06-07, 02:18 PM

wow those are some impressive photos...
I cannot even begin to express how amazing it is to me that nature can be so evil and beautiful at the same time.
Many prayers to all those out there

**Morning Coffee** · 05-06-07, 03:37 PM

Big Al , is there anything we can do to help the two troopers and their families ? I realize people have insurance but at times like that , it isnt always fast enough . been there done that .

So if you know how we can help the trooper families , please let us know .

**Big Al** · 05-06-07, 06:10 PM

according to the news, the outpouring of assitance has been great. The tornado came before 10pm so there was some advance warning and this tornado was said to be 3/4 mile wide on the ground, which is huge.

**Sapper_132** · 05-06-07, 06:40 PM

Greensburg is about a 4 hour drive NE from my county, in Okla. We were hit hard by a winter storm that had people stuck here for about a week. 2 Weeks ago a Tornado hit south of us in Cactus TX and just north of us at the Colorado State line. Tornados suck, especially when they do stuff like this.

**Jackalope** · 05-06-07, 07:48 PM

How long until somebody blames George Bush for creating the tornadoes?

Oh wait, I forgot, red staters take care of themselves instead of immediately looking to the government when things go wrong.

**dapples** · 05-06-07, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by stokerress

+1.

+2

**CelticCop** · 05-06-07, 08:05 PM

I grew up in Nothern Middle Tennessee... Seen my share of tornadoes. They don't get the Monster ones that you folks in Kansas get, but they still get some bad ones. I feel for ya bro. Nothing quite like huddling down in the central hallway covered by a mattress and listening to that freight train roar bearing down on ya at about 11yo.

**Morning Coffee** · 05-07-07, 12:15 PM

I received this and This is verified and the address is verified .

Subject: Tornado - Saturday, May 5, 2007:

This morning a tornado ripped through the town of Greensburg, Kansas where 3 Troopers, and 1 Motor Carrier Inspector are stationed.

Ty Lothman K-393, John Bertram K-457 are OK and have no damage due to the tornado.

Eric Haskins K-88 and Brandon Hoshiet K-9206 who is stationed in Kiowa County are both OK. Unfortunately both have lost their homes due to the Greensburg tornado on the evening of 05-04-07. Their families have been accounted for but they have lost most all of their belongings including their patrol cars.

The Kansas State Trooper's Association is collecting donations for
their relief and has taken immediate action to help.

If you can help please forward your contributions to the following
address:

Kansas State Trooper's Association
1200 W. 10th Street
Topeka, Kansas 66604
Attn: Greensburg Troopers

All checks should be made payable to the Kansas State Troopers
Association

We will keep you posted if new information becomes available.

Sincerely,

Mitch Mellick Troop A Director

**Beans** · 05-07-07, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by Jackalope

How long until somebody blames George Bush for creating the tornadoes?

Oh wait, I forgot, red staters take care of themselves instead of immediately looking to the government when things go wrong.

Oh give me a break.

**conalabu** · 05-07-07, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by Morning Coffee

I received this and This is verified and the address is verified .

Subject: Tornado - Saturday, May 5, 2007:

This morning a tornado ripped through the town of Greensburg, Kansas where 3 Troopers, and 1 Motor Carrier Inspector are stationed.

Ty Lothman K-393, John Bertram K-457 are OK and have no damage due to the tornado.

Eric Haskins K-88 and Brandon Hoshiet K-9206 who is stationed in Kiowa County are both OK. Unfortunately both have lost their homes due to the Greensburg tornado on the evening of 05-04-07. Their families have been accounted for but they have lost most all of their belongings including their patrol cars.

The Kansas State Trooper's Association is collecting donations for
their relief and has taken immediate action to help.

If you can help please forward your contributions to the following
address:

Kansas State Trooper's Association
1200 W. 10th Street
Topeka, Kansas 66604
Attn: Greensburg Troopers

All checks should be made payable to the Kansas State Troopers
Association

We will keep you posted if new information becomes available.

Sincerely,

Mitch Mellick Troop A Director

Thanks, MC.

**Cidp24** · 05-07-07, 12:21 PM

Y'all hang in there.

**K9brando** · 05-07-07, 04:31 PM

just got finished watching the video of that storm over on tornadovideos.net That was a big tornado.

**BEB** · 05-07-07, 07:04 PM

Collection of photos here.
http://www.kansas.com/static/slides/...ornadoaerials/

It'd be great if they'd put up a camera on the grain bin so the world can see them rebuild. Tragic what happened, but I have no doubt Greensburg will be back and soon.

EDIT:

While looking at the news this morning I came across this - a positive local news story featuring Greensburg, aired just this May 2nd. I hope they can recover their previous history while rebuilding. For now, a glimpse at what they had.

Video's at this link.
http://www.ksn.com/news/local/7301591.html

**dadyswat** · 05-08-07, 07:45 AM

Boy, sure reminds me of Xenia Ohio in the 70's.

**RPDP44** · 05-08-07, 08:47 AM

I live in a state that is no stranger to natural disasters and the heartache they bring. My prayers go out to you and your families.

**Morning Coffee** · 05-10-07, 02:06 AM

Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2007 3:21 PM
Subject: [911CARES] Kansas Tornado Relief - 911 CARES

On late Friday, May 4th, 2007 Greensburg, Kansas (the county seat for
Kiowa County) was hit by an F-5 tornado that damaged approximately 95%
of the town. This small community of 1,600 residents is supported by a
small Communication's Center that dispatches Police, Fire and EMS for
the city and county. You have surely seen the television coverage of this
disaster. We have been trying since Sunday to contact them to see how
911 CARES and the larger telecommunications family can help.

Today, we spoke to a Greensburg Dispatcher, Lois Morehead who gave us
some devastating news. They have four full time and three part time
dispatchers. FIVE of their dispatch staff has lost EVERYTHING! This
includes their home, their personal belongings and clothing. They are
currently dispatching out of a trailer with assistance from surrounding
counties who have provided dispatchers. Not only are they dealing with the
loss of their homes, they are dealing with the loss of a police officer,
Robert Tim Buckman who was injured when the tornado crushed his squad
car. He died at the hospital when the decision was made to discontinue
life support.

These fellow dispatchers need our help. Any clothing, personal hygiene
products, household items.basically anything would help them out.
Packages and cards can be sent c/o Lois Morehead, Greensburg Police
Department, 200 E. Wisconsin, Greensburg, Kansas 67054. (The post office has
been destroyed, but all mail is being routed through Pratt - the next
closest town.)

MAKE A DONATION: We have some neighboring dispatch centers that are
helping us get financial assistance delivered. If you want to make a
donation via MasterCard, Visa or AMEX, you can do it online at:
http://911cares.com/Merchant2/mercha...gory_Code=A-FP
OR you can call PSTC-911 CARES at 800-348-8911 (from 0715-1600 CA time)
and we will process your donation.

911 Cares is already sending these dispatchers a care package of
clothing and personal hygiene products and we are launching a nationwide
activation to assist these dispatchers. Please visit our website
www.911cares.com for further information or to make a donation.

A NOTE ON DONATIONS: We learned a great deal when we coordinated the
relief efforts for the Gulf Coast. We beg you, don't just clean out a
closet and dump it in a box. These folks don't have washing machines,
dryers or sewing machines. ONLY send items that are clean and ready to
wear. Jeans, sweats, t-shirts, light jackets, new underwear, shoes and work
boots are the best garments to send. Blankets, sheets, towels and
pillows/pillow cases are very much appreciated. Toiletries including soaps,
shampoo, hand sanitizer, baby powder and "monthly needs" are welcome.
Don't forget diapers and a few toys or books for the kids. Imagine
losing everything, what would you want? That is a great place to start!
Don't forget pet food!

We don't have specific sizes yet. We are working on it. We have been
assured that anything the dispatchers can't use will be shared with
officers, fire fighters and medics.

VENDORS: We are checking into specifics on how you can help, stay
tuned. For now, pass the hat at the office.

RED PIG AGENCIES: If you have a 911 CARES red pig in your center, it's
time to empty it out and help our friends in Kansas!

THANKS!
Kevin and the team at 911 CARES