Smith County awards Texans on Mission for helping 100 homes in storm damage clean up

SMITH COUNTY, Texas ( KETK ) — Smith County officials awarded Texans on Mission Disaster Relief Team volunteers on Thursday for their help in cleaning up homes after severe weather left a wake of damages in late May and early June.

The disaster relief team , historically known as Texas Baptist Men, worked in Smith County for the past three weeks after receiving more than 140 work orders of people requesting help to clear downed trees.

Incident Commander Jim Lawton said several teams have helped complete 100 of those work orders and will continue to help as many as possible before they leave Smith County on Saturday.

County Judge Neal Franklin and Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore presented the group with the Smith County Community Hero Award.

“We appreciate you and the driving force behind your hard work helping the citizens of Smith County,” Franklin said.

Chainsaw teams from Tyler and Athens were assisted by volunteers form Katy and Pittsburg and others from Louisiana and Arkansas. Team members who don’t live in the area have reportedly stayed at the First Baptist Church in Whitehouse.

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