Tsunami Relief Described

The Windsor Rotary Club welcomed Steve Smith, Chief of Police of Williamston, as guest speaker today. Steve was speaking of his experiences in support of the Tsunami relief efforts of Thailand, one of the nations hardest hit by that recent disaster.

Sheriff Greg Atkins

Steve was introduced by Bertie County Sheriff, Greg Atkins.

Police Chief Steve Smith

Steve took a leave of absence to go work in the relief effort. He was employed by an Australian firm working for the Australian government. Australia is still bearing a disproportionate share of some of the recovery efforts in the region. The firm was supplying people of every type, from forensic scientists to logistics people such as Steve.

Steve described the devastation that he saw. He also described his experiences with the Thai people. Steve felt they were very helpful people, and very appreciative of what was being done on their behalf. He says that they are very decent and quite resilient, and are bearing up well even despite the many hardships they endure.

A great number of people are still missing, and a great number are still without shelter. Steve's work was involved in the logistics of moving equipment and supplies out to the different places that recovery efforts were taking place. He reminisced about the period when another big earthquake hit, and he wound up sleeping on the sofa in the lobby of the hotel until they were sure danger had passed. He smiled when he said he slept with one eye open worrying about the possibility of another Tsunami.

He said that the people of the area still need a lot of help, and encouraged the Rotary Club to consider helping out in some way.

If you have any questions or wish to contact Steve you can email him at willpd01@hotmail.com