California's recent wildfires have had devastating effects, impacting individuals and families across the region. Among those affected is retired Pittsburgh SWAT officer Jeff Garris, who recently relocated with his family to Pacific Palisades. The move was meant to offer them a fresh start, but just two months after settling, they found themselves at the mercy of nature's fury.
Garris, who served more than 30 years with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, previously received the Courage Under Hostile Fire Award for his heroic actions during the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting in 2018. He and his wife Debbie, along with their 16-year-old son Tristan, aimed to find peace and tranquility near their other son, Markus, as they pushed forward with their new life on the West Coast. But little did they know, their situation would take a drastic turn. "We had a, you know, fantastic Christmas out here, kind of enjoying, you know, some very nice weather compared to what you guys have been having. And, you know,that changed overnight," Garris recounted.
The wildfires swept through their area with alarming speed. On Tuesday, as flames approached, Garris found himself deep in the throes of the evacuation process. Demonstrative of his character, he helped evacuate not only his family but also neighbors, performing the courageous act of ensuring all were safe. Garris vividly recalled the ominous moment, saying, "When we wheeled the neighbor down, we were starting to get just ashes, raining, like, look like snowflakes. So it was kind of an eerie feeling." Just as he sensed the danger, he and his family had to leave their new home behind.
Upon returning after the evacuation, Garris's ordeal became all too real. The devastation was staggering. "When I returned, all I found was ash. I tried to find something of value to pick up and say, 'hey, this was,' there's nothing," he reflected. Drawing from his decades of experience fighting crime and providing safety to others, Garris admitted, "I've seen a lot in my lifetime as far as my 30-plus years with the city. It's difficult to put it all to words what it feels like to be on the other side and to really just have it all taken away in a heartbeat." The emotional toll was palpable.
Despite the overwhelming nature of such loss, Garris has found strength and support from both the Pacific Palisades and Pittsburgh communities. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help the Garris family during this trying time. Reflecting on the unusual circumstances, Garris expressed his pride and the challenge of accepting such generosity, saying, "I'm a proud guy. I was once the one to provide for myself and my family. It's a gut punch not to be able." The community's willingness to assist has left him both grateful and humbled.
Garris admitted, "It's kind of mind-blowing. But like I said, it's hard for me to accept help. I'm not the type of guy." His struggle conveys the emotional complexity found when individuals who are accustomed to providing are suddenly faced with the need to accept support from others.
The community's outpouring of compassion not only highlights the human spirit but also emphasizes the shared grief felt across families affected by the wildfires. Each donation and act of kindness was not just aid but also signified hope and solidarity, reminding Garris and others like him of the resilience found within community ties. People from Pittsburgh and Pacific Palisades united their efforts, proving to Garris and his family they aren't alone, even amid great tragedy.
Wildfires have had lasting repercussions, as families cope with the loss of homes, memories, and security. For Jeff Garris, the emotional toll of witnessing his home transformed to ash mirrors the pain felt by thousands of others affected across California. The resilience and kindness of their communities may light the way forward as these families begin to rebuild, both physically and emotionally.