Volunteers, Peace Officers Needed in Van Zandt County

EAST TEXAS — Van Zandt County officials are asking for volunteers and peace officers following devastating tornadoes that ripped through East Texas Saturday night. Volunteers will begin meeting at 7:00 a.m. daily at the Canton Senior Citizen Center, 200 Groves Street, Canton. Volunteers are asked to bring their own tools, chainsaws, tractors and other equipment. Bring your own lunch/drinks, as well. A volunteer check will be utilized for safety and accountability, according to KETK. Peace officers are also being asked to help the community. Uniformed officers, patrol, or POV with lights are asked to meet at the Law Enforcement Command Post, located at the TxDOT facility at FM 1255, just south of Interstate 20. Briefings will take place every 12 hours at 5:30 a.m., and 5:30 p.m.

Van Zandt officials say marked units will be better, but to bring anything you have. They are also asking all peace officers to get permission from their department supervisor before coming to Canton.

The day shift for Monday, May 1, is covered, but they will be needing helps starting with Monday night’s shift.

Peace officers are asked to contact the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office at 903-567-4133, and ask for Captain Scharfenberg for more information.

CURFEW

Officials have also implemented a curfew of 8:00 p.m., for all county roads affected by the tornadoes.