When Dallas ISD Police Sgt. Quintin Barge heard about the devastating floods in Central Texas, he stepped in to help by spearheading a one-man relief effort for the survivors.
“This happened in the state of Texas, and Dallas ISD is a really big district,” he said. “I said to myself, “Why don’t I do something?”’
With approval from leadership, Barge set empty boxes by the biometric clocks at the police station on Ervay Street and at Elisha M. Pease Elementary School, where Dallas ISD police meet for training.
“I said to the troops, ‘Hey, you guys may have seen empty boxes in front of the biometric clocks that say toiletries for the flood victims. Be sure to donate, if you can. God blesses us to be able to bless others, right?” Barge said.
Donations began dribbling in. The entire department—from police officers to security guards to administrative assistants—contributed, Barge said. The donations, Barge continued, included soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, diapers, deodorant, and even laundry detergent. It was enough to fill up the back seat and trunk of a Tahoe SUV.
Initially, Barge considered mailing the supplies, but early last Tuesday, Barge and Detective Terry Brazil hopped into the Tahoe and drove four hours to Kerville ISD where they were greeted by a welcoming committee.
“They were happy to see us,” Barge said. “They were really, really happy. The area looked almost abandoned, and I didn’t see any men. Only women and boys.” The men, Barge said, had gone off to help with flood recovery and cleanup.
Barge said that all donations are kept in an old elementary school that doubles as the headquarters. The donations are set up in tables in the cafeteria by products, he said.
After the Dallas ISD donations were unloaded, Barge said, he, Brazil, and Kerville staff members held hands for a quick prayer and conversation.
“Kerrville ISD doesn’t have many resources. There’s not a lot of money there,” Barge said. “The items that were delivered came from all kinds of personnel—the non-sworn staff, dispatchers, and the administrative assistants.”
Helping others, like the flood survivors of Kerr County, is not new for Dallas ISD Police. They are committed to community engagement throughout the year through a variety of initiatives, such as the annual Officer Claus holiday celebration, back-to-school rallies, Thanksgiving food drives, and stop-the-violence initiatives. “I’m also just happy to have leadership within our department that makes community engagement a high priority,” Barge said. “We love our jobs, our community, our kids, and our staff members. We’re willing to sacrifice ourselves for them.”