Ocean Springs, Miss., police officers visit Washington (Dec. 8)
By: Lauren Burgoon
WASHINGTON When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast more than three months ago, Washington residents opened their hearts, closets and wallets to send three tractor-trailers worth of supplies, thousands of dollars in gift cards and four police and municipal vehicles to Washington’s adopted town, Ocean Springs, Miss.
On Tuesday, two police officers from Ocean Springs traveled to Washington to personally thank the township for aiding in the recovery and to talk about how their coastal town is progressing. It was a heartfelt meeting between officials from two towns 1,000 miles apart.
"Without your help, our lives would’ve been a whole lot worse," Ocean Springs Officer Tim Fowler said before embracing Mayor Dave Fried. "The support you gave us was much needed. It’s how we made it."
The Mississippi police department particularly appreciated the donated cruisers and Jeeps, which helped sustained the department after Katrina decimated the fleet.
"If it wasn’t for those cars I drive one every day we’d be walking," Capt. Michael Sweeney said.
Washington’s colors and insignia are still on the cars, prompting Ocean Springs residents to regularly stop the cruisers and thank officers for coming down to help, the captain said laughing. Though the insignia will eventually change, Washington’s colors will always remain on the cars so Ocean Springs remembers the donation, he added.
Coordinated under the Robbinsville Relief Effort, organizers chose Ocean Springs for its similarities to Washington. While New Orleans and other major cities received the lion’s share of attention and donations after the hurricane, relief organizers wanted to focus on a smaller town.
Ocean Springs residents received thousands of clothing items, bleach, tools, tarps and at least $20,000 in cash and gift cards.
Schoolchildren in Washington and Ocean Springs set up their own exchange, with Washington students sending down prom dresses, school supplies and even Halloween decorations. Plans are already in the works to send down holiday decorations.
The outpouring from Washington pleasantly surprised many in town, including Township Administrator Mary Caffrey, who is originally from Mississippi.
"I didn’t think this would take on a life of its own," she said to the Ocean Springs officers. "It makes me feel good to know your lives are getting a little bit better."
Progress is slow in Ocean Springs, however. Power and water are back on, but the storm wiped out much of the town’s infrastructure. Entire houses along the coast were swept away, while other homes became waterlogged and moldy.
Katrina wiped out the town’s major bridge, which probably will not be rebuilt for 18 months, officers said. Complete rebuilding could take three years and most residents have not returned.
After the months of tribulation, the Ocean Spring officers and their families were ready for a little more lighthearted fun during their weeklong trip to the region. They visited New York City and were filmed for a street shot on "Good Morning America" and toured Washington to get a feel for their sister city.
Even Mother Nature provided a distraction from the situation down south.
"I wanted to see some snow," Officer Fowler said Tuesday when a blanket of snow covered the ground. "I’m glad I did."

