"If you woke up this morning be grateful"- Gunter

Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Chief James Gunter

If you woke up this morning, be grateful.

One hurricane, 11 tornado warnings in our area, lots of damage, and several neighborhoods that have forever changed.

But it was just a Category 1 hurricane……

You’ve heard of the “ugly” side of the storm…..the northeast quadrant. And if you haven’t, well now you have. Beside the eyewall, it’s the part of the storm that typically causes the greatest damage.

And yesterday it did, right here, in our own backyard.

Beech Grove VFD was honored to be able to serve and render aid. To each and everyone affected, we offer our prayers and support.

We will recover.

So many to thank for the assistance.

As they always do, the local VFD’s come together and support each other regardless of boundaries.

Jasper Texas Volunteer Fire Department

Angelina River Fire And Rescue

East End Volunteer Fire Department

Lake Rayburn Fire Department

Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Dept

Burkeville Fire Dept.

Local government, local law enforcement, local utilities, along with each and every officer and employee:

City of Jasper, Jasper Texas

Jasper County

Jasper Police Department

Jasper County Sheriff’s Office

Local Constables

Seth Martindale for Jasper County Commissioner Precinct 1

Seth Martindale

Commissioner Kevin Holloway

Office of Jasper County Judge Mark Allen

Jasper County Interjurisdictional Emergency Management

Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative

Texas Game Wardens

Texas Department of Public Safety - Southeast Texas Region

Allegiance Mobile Health - Jasper EMS

Texas A&M Forest Service

Lots of miles walked, houses checked, aid rendered, and trees cut.

And to every single resident and citizen who just showed up to help and do the right thing, THANK YOU!

Similar damage in the greater Houston area resulted in injuries and fatalities.

Property can be repaired or replaced, lives not necessarily. This area was very fortunate to have minimal injuries and no loss of life.

So again, if you woke up this morning, be grateful. This too shall pass.