Published on Thursday, November 10, 2005
in the Miami Herald

Armored tank rolls through Hialeah to deliver storm aid

The light armored vehicle that rumbled through Hialeah streets last week may have seemed ominous at first glance, but there was nothing threatening about its mission.

The amphibious tank belonged to the Florida Highway Patrol's Tactical Response Team, and had been deployed to help deliver ice, food and water throughout the city.

''Anyone who needs food, ice and water, we are here to help!'' came a voice through a bullhorn from inside the military vehicle.

The deliveries started Oct. 28 and ran through Saturday.

''We went block by block,'' said FHP Sgt. Carlos Gascon, who participated in the operation. ``They would shed their tears and thank us. After a few stops an old lady came up to me and held my hand. They were just so grateful. It just takes an emotional toll on you.''

To replenish, FEMA converted Hialeah Park Race Track into a distribution center. The eight FHP troopers involved in the operation worked from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and went back to replenish three times a day.

In all, the FHP team distributed 18,000 bags of ice, 22,500 gallons of water and 32,400 MREs, or Meals Ready to Eat, packets that included cookies, chips, fruit, canned food, sandwiches and sodas to last nine days. ''Some of these people lost so much, so it's good that we can bring some comfort,'' Gascon said.