Latest news with #TonyDickey
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Alabama residents helping Texas flood recovery efforts on ground and at home
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Whether it is at home or in Texas, some Alabamians are showing their support for those devastated by floodwaters. 'So many fatalities,' said Tony Dickey, a chaplain from Baldwin County. 'So many missing people. So many misplaced families.' Death toll from catastrophic flooding in Texas over the July Fourth weekend surpasses 100 Dickey was on the ground Monday helping in Kerrville, Texas. He said he is joining Mercy Chefs in supporting first responders. 'For us on the Gulf Coast, if we remember back whenever Katrina hit, all the debris fills,' Dickey said. 'It's the debris fills everywhere down through that river area.' Dickey said that debris can take a toll of first responders, but the teams are dedicated. He said their dedication needs emotional and spiritual support. 'This is what they do, and they know how important it is to bring that child, loved one home to the family where they can have a chance to have peace by giving them a proper funeral,' Dickey said. Dickey will be there to lend a hand to rescue teams, he said. 'The first responders, you've got to remember, these guys are out here in this heat,' Dickey said. 'They are away from home, and they're having to do multiple fatality recoveries.' Gina Maiola with the Alabama governor's office said in a statement the state stands ready to assist Texas in its search and rescue efforts. Maiola stated Gov. Kay Ivey is actively working to align resources to send. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Daphne chaplain back from Israel after mission to comfort children of war
DAPHNE, Ala. (WKRG) — When Chaplain Tony Dickey told friends he wanted to go to Israel, friends told him he was crazy. But Dickey says he knew he could help, especially the children in the war-torn country. Blue Angels to thrill crowds at 2025 Pensacola Beach Air Show (schedule) 'No human being should have to live in fear every night that it might be their last night here on earth,' Dickey told News 5. So he helped organize a trip. But he didn't go alone. He shipped three pallets of a stuffed animal called a 'Comfort Cub.' 'When you take the bear and hold it and you squeeze it, it activates the neurotransmitters in the brain to make the good chemicals offset grief, depression, fear,' said Dickey. He gave away 750 of the weighted teddy bears to children and families in Israel. 'These kids grab these things, run to the bomb shelters, and it brings them peace,' he said. Dickey has been back home for just over a week. He got out one day before Iranian bombs started falling, another reason Israel is never far from his mind. 'Every person over there is going through this. They don't deserve to live a life of terror every night, wondering if a rocket is going to come through their house, come through their shelter.' Fire at Mobile apartment complex displaces 3 families Peace has always been hard to find in the Middle East, but a little comfort is making it a bit more bearable, at least for now. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
