Bimini Island Air

Bimini Island Air Needs Your Help

Conditions in Mississippi are deplorable. Assistance is needed by law enforcement agencies on the ground in Mississippi! Many officers have not showered or changed clothes since the Hurricane Katrina has hit! Bimini Island Air, The Bite TV, Bacardi USA, The Billfish Foundation and Island Fishing Adventures are partnering with The Mississippi State Trooper and Law Enforcement Relief Funds, to provide immediate relief to its officers and family members. Bimini Island Air will be providing the aircraft to fly the relief supplies to Mississippi and deliver them directly to the funds committee for distribution. Collection points are located at 3000 NW 59th street at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and University Dodge in Davie to collect much needed items such as canned foods, water, boots, mosquito repellent, gloves, and other essentials. We have contacted local law enforcement agencies to setup additional collection points. Monetary donations maybe made with Trustmark National Bank - in TX, FL, MS, or Memphis. Funds will be used to rent port-a-showers, port-a-johns, etc, all contributions are tax deductible. For more information please contact Scott Lehr at Bimini Island Air (954) 938-8991.

From: The Mississippi State Troopers' Association
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CREATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT RELIEF FUND: DONATIONS NEEDED

September 1, 2005

Contact: Donna Mabus
601-291-6064
Jan Schaefer
601-941-7663

In this time of crisis along the Mississippi Gulf Coast following the devastation of Katrina, the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) and hundreds of other law enforcement agencies have responded in full force to help with search, rescue and recovery. "The conditions are grim for everyone," said Master Sergeant Bobby Reed, President of the Mississippi State Troopers' Association. "The men and women of the MHP and all other local law enforcement are working tirelessly to help but these usually polished officers are now muddy and dirty from search and rescue duties. Many haven't changed clothes in several days. They are facing the same conditions as the survivors, little food, little water, no significant shelter, no power, you get the idea." After witnessing the efforts of his comrades first hand this morning, Master Sergeant Reed decided more needed to be done to help. As a result, an account has been set up through Trustmark Bank for monetary donations that will be used to buy needed supplies that will be distributed to all law enforcement officers working along the Gulf Coast. Anyone wishing to help with this effort can make donations at any Trustmark Bank branch in Mississippi, Texas, Florida or in Memphis, Tennessee and earmark it "The Mississippi State Trooper and Law Enforcement Relief Fund". Residents in other areas may send monetary donations care of The Mississippi State Trooper and Law Enforcement Relief Fund, P.O. Box 22871, Jackson, Mississippi 39225. For those who prefer to purchase supplies, M/Sgt. Reed created a list of desperately needed items (see attachment) which can be dropped off in Raymond, Mississippi at the Hinds County Penal Farm off Highway 18. "We just can't thank Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillan enough," said M/Sgt. Reed. "He has graciously offered us the location for this drop-off as well as the manpower to load our trailers." The drop-off location will be open to receive donations Monday thru Friday, 8a.m.-5p.m. "We have already sent four trucks to the Coast with supplies we were able to distribute through the generosity of several businesses," said M/Sgt. Reed. "But this need is greater than that. I know there are many folks just wondering what they can do to help and this is one way. We have to be able to meet the needs of the first responders if they are going to meet the needs of the victims."

*Note: Requests for information on Relief Fund can be directed to Donna Mabus, Requests for interviews with M/Sgt. Bobby Reed can be directed to Jan Schaefer