Public invited to join county in helping Oklahoma tornado victims

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and the Pinal County Attorney’s Office are preparing to send manpower, financial aid and other needed resources to the devastated communities in Oklahoma County in a response for assistance from Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel.

On Wednesday, County Attorney Lando Voyles and Sheriff Paul Babeu introduced the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue members that will accompany Voyles Friday morning in traveling to Oklahoma and assist in humanitarian aid and clean-up efforts.

Whetsel requested mutual aid from sheriffs across the U.S. following the devastating tornado.

Residents across Pinal County will have a chance to send their messages of support through Voyles and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue members by signing a banner at one of the following Pinal County Walmart stores: Maricopa, Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Coolidge and San Tan Valley.

The banners will be available until 6 p.m. Thursday. Additionally, Pinal County residents can purchase Walmart gift cards Wednesday and Thursday at any of the Pinal County Walmart stores that will be collected and transported by Voyles to Oklahoma County and directly given to people who have been affected by the tornado.

Walmart has pledged $1 million to assist with recovery efforts in Moore, Okla. The company also is sending truckloads of food, water and other basic items to serve as immediate aid.

In addition to the manpower and donations from Pinal County residents, the sheriff’s office has purchased 15 chain saws with extra arms, 30 extra chains and all the supplies to maintain this equipment.