Austin police officers helping community stay cool

During the summer, first responders say they respond to all types of heat-related illness calls. In some cases, they're life-threatening. That's why Austin Police officers are taking action, helping some residents living without air conditioning. 

Ray Jackson Sr. was born in this East Austin home in 1942.

"I don't want to live nowhere else but here," says Ray Jackson Sr., lives in East Austin. 

The home still has the same air conditioning unit his parents installed. But, it doesn't cool the house anymore. "I'm not going to be in there when it's hot. I got a way to move around and go and do whatever I need to do," says Jackson. 

It's been hard for Jackson to spend time inside, until Wednesday. 

"Mr. Jackson... alright, I'm here sir," says Sr. Police Officer Bino Cadenas. 

This summer the Austin Cops for Charities and the Austin Police Association are reaching out to residents in need and surprising them with AC units.

On Wednesday they delivered four. "I'm extremely happy with it, you see me grinning and going on. My face is usually the other way," says Jackson.

This is the first year they've done something like this and have the goal of delivering around 50 in total. But, it doesn't come cheap. They cost around $500 and hope the community will give donations.

First responders say they receive a high number of heat-related illness calls in the summer and sometimes it can life-threatening. They want to help as many people as they can. 

"It feels over 120 degrees inside. Within minutes, I'm drenched in sweat. I'm putting in these air conditioning units and installing them and even I sometimes have to take a break," says Ofc. Cadenas. 

Through the process, Sr. Police Officer Bino Cadenas says they are getting to know the community a whole lot better. "He's a legend within the community. He was a football/track coach at LBJ and Bowie High School and then my school, Kealing. He just mentioned he happened to be there the same time I was, so I'm honored to be able to give this gift back to him," says Ofc. Cadenas.

"I appreciate the hell out of it. I'm thankful to God for it," says Jackson.