When a once-in-a-generation snowstorm hit Harris County in late January, Precinct 4 team members stepped up to keep residents safe. From making sure emergency responders could drive safely on the roads, to keeping those without power warm and fed, here are just a few of the stories of the people who kept Precinct 4 safe during the freeze. 

At our shelter 

Bayland Community Center opened as a 24-hour shelter in response to the sustained freezing temperatures during Winter Storm Enzo. Director of Community Assistance Najat Elsayed, welder Jeff Mayor, HVAC technician Jacob Goolsby, operator Chris McLaughlin, and electrician Nolan Pruiett stayed at the shelter for over 60 hours to ensure people had a place to sleep and access resources.  

More than three dozen people without power visited or slept at Bayland during the freeze. During the three days Bayland served as a shelter, the team got multiple people medical attention, ensured people were fed, and even helped connect a domestic violence survivor with resources and police. 

But when three building heaters broke and no stores were open to buy new parts, the team of tradesmen worked with what they had to keep people warm. Jacob immediately jumped into action. 

After climbing into the attic, he surveyed the damage and found he could get the largest heater running by using various parts from the other heaters. In no time, he fixed the largest heater and ensured the shelter could stay open. 

 “I wanted to do what anyone would do in that situation,” said Jacob. “I’m just glad we kept power.” 

On the roads 

Precinct 4 has more than 100 bridges, 1,600 miles of roads, and over 200 road and bridge crew members dedicated to making the streets as safe as possible.  

As residents hunkered down for the storm, team members visited 44 fire stations to spread gravel and make sure first responders were able to safely respond to emergencies.  

Mark Noskie, Isaac Tejada, and Danny Pipes were working 12-hour night shifts throughout the freeze. As assistant supervisors, they helped coordinate visits to fire stations, assisted in mapping routes, and even cooked for their crews. 

“One thing that’s sets us apart from many other precincts is that we work so closely together,” said Mark. “We are one. As soon as one of our guys are done, if any of the other camps need help, our guys are going out and helping these other camps.” 

At our warming centers 

Each warming center had a group of tradesmen stationed overnight to make sure the centers kept power and heat. Electrician Richard Francis was one of four team members staying overnight at Radack when he heard knocking.  

When he got up to check on the noise, he saw a homeless man who had visited the center earlier in the day waiting outside the front door. Richard let him in, and along with his team members, James Lynn, Roger Keas, and Romualdo Ortega, made sure the man was warm. The man spent the night at Radack and was connected with transportation to Bayland. 

“We got him some hot food and coffee, and he slept real well,” said Richard. “I’m just glad we could help him out.” 

On the way home 

Once the weather began to warm up, it was Precinct 4 bus driver Manuel Calderon’s job to bring residents back to their homes, cars, or shelters.  

As he dropped off a woman at her car, he noticed she was having problems jumpstarting her car battery. At Bayland, Najat had given her own jumper cables to the woman, but she didn’t know how to use them. When Manuel noticed, he quickly got off the bus and taught her how. 

“It’s part of the job,” said Manuel. “What are we here for if we’re not going to help?”