Under the big carport at the NE Police Substation on August 27th, the only folks feeling the heat were the guys cooking up the BBQ at a benefit to raise money for the continued care and recovery of DPD Officer Alex Garcia.

And cook they did, feeding the many folks who turned out from morning into the evening to celebrate the young officer's return to Texas.

Back in July, Garcia was hospitalized for blood clots while attending a Police Explorers conference in Denver.

His insurance carrier wouldn't cover the $7,500 cost of the air ambulance to bring him home. So, in stepped Eugene Knies of Bonham Chrysler in McKinney, and thanks to him writing a check, Officer Garcia and his wife Rosa were able to attend his benefit BBQ.

Mr. Knies has since been the recipient of the Honorary 2008 Great First Responder Award given by CareFlite and the Dallas/Ft. Worth Hospital Council.

The NE officers and volunteers who organized the days event couldn't be more pleased to have their comrade home.

According to Northeast Chief Tom Lawrence, "This has been a joint effort between the department and the volunteers and has been much bigger then we thought it would be, due to the tremendous amount of folks showing up to offer their support."

"This is really about the community helping the person."

It was certainly evident that the community helped out, given the long list of sponsors and numerous volunteers, including Taxco Food Service, Mrs. Baird's, Dallas City Packing, Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church, Vickery Meadow Improvement District, and Sam's Club, too name a few.

Along with helping raise the money to cover the family's growing medical expenses, the NE Officers arranged a special presentation for Officer Garcia when he arrived at 1:00 p.m.

Garcia and his wife Rosa were thrilled to receive an American flag that had been flown in Iraq. It was presented to them by First Class U.S. Army Sergeant Kevin Lee.

When asked what made him happiest about being home, Officer Garcia's first response was simple and poignant.

"It's home," he said.

Then surprisingly he added, "The heat! I'm really happy to be back in Texas heat!"

LH Today and the entire Lake Highlands community wish Officer Garcia the best in his continued recovery.

For more information about contributing to the fund in his support, call the Dallas Police Department at 214-671-4065.