Credits: Houston Chronicle
A public dispute has erupted between two Houston city leaders regarding the city’s preparations for Hurricane Beryl.*
On Sunday, Mayor John Whitmire held a news conference to address comments made by Councilman Edward Pollard, who suggested that better preparation could have saved lives during the hurricane. The mayor’s remarks came in response to Pollard’s comments about the mobilization of first responders before Beryl’s arrival.
Mayor Whitmire began his conference by referencing a news story about fallen Houston Police Department employee Russell Richardson. “The news story honoring [Richardson] interviewed Councilman Pollard, he said if we would’ve been better prepared, lives would’ve been saved. My phone lit up from chiefs, directors rank and file,” Whitmire said.
Acting Houston Police Chief Larry Satterwhite and others praised Richardson for his dedication. “He’s there in every way possible to back us up, that’s why he felt like he needed to get in,” Chief Satterwhite said, highlighting that many Tier 1 employees, like Richardson, were unable to make it to work for various reasons.
Chief Satterwhite emphasized that the safety of officers and employees is paramount, stating, “With each officer and every employee it is always about ‘respond when it’s safe when you can safely get in so you can get in the fight,’ because we don’t want this type of tragedy to happen, but it does happen.”
Houston Police Department officials asserted that they took no chances with storm preparations ahead of Hurricane Beryl. High-water rescue vehicles were pre-staged, barricades were set up, and additional officers were brought in after the hurricane passed.
“Let’s not politicize a disaster, disrespect a fallen hero, and disrespect the rank and file,” Mayor Whitmire said in response to Pollard’s comments.
Councilman Pollard released a statement clarifying his position. “My comments were solely focused on the logistics of mobilizing our officers a day earlier to ensure their safety and readiness before Hurricane Beryl hit,” Pollard stated. He emphasized his respect for officers and first responders and denied any intention to politicize the event for personal gain.
“I hold the utmost respect for our officers and all first responders. At no point have I cast blame on any individual, and I refuse to politicize this tragic event for personal gain,” Pollard reiterated in his statement.
Mayor Whitmire noted that he has not spoken with Councilman Pollard since the comments were made.
Pollard’s full statement reads:
“First, my heartfelt condolences go out to the Richardson family. They should never have to relive such a tragic experience.
It is deeply disheartening to see our city resort to a press conference aimed at smearing me politically. My comments were solely focused on the logistics of mobilizing our officers a day earlier to ensure their safety and readiness before Hurricane Beryl hit.
I hold the utmost respect for our officers and all first responders. At no point have I cast blame on any individual, and I refuse to politicize this tragic event for personal gain. This experience has been a learning opportunity for all of us, and I am confident that we will be even better prepared for future natural disasters.”