By Fousia Abdullahi
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
FORT WORTH, Texas — The Fort Worth City Council on Tuesday recognized the Fort Worth Fire Department and others who responded to the devastating fire in June at The Cooper apartment complex in Near Southside.
A six-alarm fire tore through the apartments near downtown on the afternoon of June 23. More than 800 residents were displaced by the fire and left without their personal belongings and documents essential to their day-to-day lives.
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District 9 Councilwoman Elizabeth Beck recognized the fire department and local organizations for their assistance to The Cooper residents.
“The Fort Worth Fire Department acted with exceptional bravery and skill ... under dangerous conditions,” Beck said. “Exemplifying the highest standards of public service and commitment to protecting our residents.”
Beck said the city’s Office of Emergency Management demonstrated “exemplary leadership” by coordinating with local organizations so tenants could access emergency services.
Sonny Saxton, director of emergency communications and management, said that he was thankful for volunteers and the public coming together.
“We still have community members hurting today, those that are seeking shelter still,” Saxton said. “It’s an ongoing disaster, and sometimes that happens when we do these things so, but just thank you for the community support commission.”
Beck said the fire disrupted the lives of the residents and cast a long shadow of grief and uncertainty across the community.
“The Red Cross was first on the scene,” Beck said. “They stayed there, not just that evening, but as the days turned into weeks and our residents found themselves in crisis, the Red Cross was an amazing partner to the city of Fort Worth and to those residents.”
Both the Red Cross and One Safe Place provided shelter space for tenants after the fire.
“One Safe Place, you opened your doors immediately and provided shelter space, and when we needed resource points, you were there,” Beck said. “So thank you for always being a great community partner.”
Near Southside Inc., Beck’s office, and the Tarrant County United Way organized a relief fund for the residents. The fund has raised more than $100,000.
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