As an almost lifetime Garland resident, I’ve probably heard all the rude jokes, insults, slurs and criticisms hoisted on this city. Truth is, I don’t care what anyone thinks. Another truth is that it would be hard to find another city where residents, city departments, churches, charitable organizations, businesses both large and small, care more about their community.
The best way to determine worth of your community, experience a disaster like Sunday’s tornado that plowed its way through sections of Garland, and see how quickly help arrives.
My husband and I live in the affected area – Meadowlark Estates and neighboring Williams Estates. As we and our neighbors ventured outside after the frightening roar of the storm ended, we saw everything from no damage at some homes to devastating levels of destruction at others.
We were fortunate to only have debris in our yard. Others were not so lucky. Throughout the neighborhood, huge, 60-80 -year-old trees were uprooted. Many had landed on homes, cars or power lines. There were homes with half or no roofs. The area was without power.
Almost immediately, the Garland Police and Fire departments were on the scene. They quickly got to work blocking streets and making sure everyone was alright. Next in were crews from Garland Power & Light who began working to get power restored as a large number of transmission lines were down. The GP&L crews, along with others that have 
graciously come in from other areas, have worked around the clock. Tuesday, the city announced that all residential power was restored to homes that did not require new meters. GP&L also set up a trailer for residents without power to charge cellphones. The trailer was also stocked with ice and water for the residents.
Monday morning, as we woke to a bright blue sky and went out to see the damage in the daylight, all were shocked, mostly that the tornado could leave the damage we observed, yet thankfully leave no injuries or fatalities behind.
The Environmental Waste Department arrived early Monday morning ready to begin collecting debris and crews arrived to clear the streets of fallen trees
Seeing City Manager Bryan Bradford and Mayor Scott LeMay walking through the neighborhood Monday morning also assured residents that city officials were taking care of the situation.
The speed at which our Emergency Response Department coordinated these efforts continues to amaze me. I’m aware that many other departments have been involved, but it’s impossible to name them all.
Just as comforting and appreciated has been the community response. Numerous churches have worked together to help residents. Lavon Drive Baptist Church set up a grill at Williams Elementary School and began providing hamburgers and hot dogs to residents, neighborhood volunteers and workers. Other churches, along with businesses including Dos 
Banderas Tex Mex, Millhouse Pizza, Chips & Salsa and Farmers Insurance-Julian Olalde have donated food and water. Numerous volunteers, including City Council members have been there to serve the meals.
Thank you to everyone – volunteers, elected officials, churches, businesses, charitable organizations — for your hard work and dedication to the community.
Last, but not least, the city of Garland staff is phenomenal. Many worked long, difficult hours during this emergency.
I’ve tried for years, but I can’t stop people from spewing untrue, negative things about Garland. But I’ll pick my city over any other, every time!
The tornado, an EF2, with winds up to 135 miles per hour damaged 175 structures – residential and commercial – five were destroyed and about 36 had major damage. Property damage is approximately $17 million.