DC police officers return home from Puerto Rico relief trip

WASHINGTON - Ten D.C. police officers who traveled to Puerto Rico to help with relief efforts on the badly-damaged island after Hurricane Maria returned home Wednesday afternoon.

The officers landed at Joint Base Andrews at about 3 p.m. They left for San Juan on Sept. 27, escorted by members of the 113th Wing of the D.C. Air National Guard.

While they were there, the officers worked with Puerto Rico State Police to help residents recover and deal with the lack of power and destruction of homes and roads.

Eight of the Metropolitan Police Department officers who went on the relief mission are former Puerto Rico State Police officers who joined MPD 15 years ago.

Hurricane Maria tore up the island when it hit on Sept. 20, killing at least 16 people and leaving nearly all 3.4 million people without power and most without water.

In the video player above, FOX 5's Paul Wagner hears the stories as the officers describe the devastation that hit Puerto Rico.