Buffalo Grove Responders Hear 'Horrific' Tornado Stories Downstate

Eight representatives of the Buffalo Grove police and fire departments delivered relief last week to first responders who lost their homes to the tornado that struck the Washington, Ill. area in November.

They distributed $8,600 in gift cards and dry goods to 21 of their peers. The donations were contributed by local residents and nearby police departments during a three-day relief effort coordinated by the Buffalo Grove departments. last month.

Buffalo Grove representatives were also able to spend time with their peers in the Washington, Ill. Some of them shared their personal tornado experiences with the visitors. 

Watch the Buffalo Grove Police Department's documentary here.

“Two state troopers told their stories that are just horrific. They went down to their basement, and when they came up, there was no house. It was down to the flooring. There wasn’t carpeting, there was nothing there. Cars turned over and torn apart,” Fire Chief Terry Vavra said.

“The devastation was unbelievable. We’re just glad we could make a difference in their life in a small way.”

Previously:

• Buffalo Grove Police, Fire Departments Hold Tornado Relief Drive
• Buffalo Grove Relief Effort Raises More Than $8,600 for Tornado Victims
• Buffalo Grove Area Offers Ways to Help Tornado Victims