Fort Worth police chief helps install air conditioners for seniors

The heat is back on in North Texas and one man who's taken a lot of heat lately, Fort Worth Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald, was out in it as the public has never seen him.

Fitzgerald, the fire chief and many others helped install air conditioners for seniors in need on Friday.

"It makes me feel proud to know this is something I didn't have to get but they made it possible for me,” said Earma Jean Mccarlty.

With the Jacqueline Craig arrest controversy, the disputed demotion of two police commanders, and backlash against the chief from the police association, the chief is well aware the glare may have blinded some to what he believes is the full picture of his department's relationship with the community.

"Anytime they call, we’ve got to come out. Not just talking police calls. When they say they want to do some installations of air conditioners, provide food for community members that are shut in we do those type of things,” Fitzgerald said.

85-year-old Navy veteran Billy Dancer was among those who got some help.

"He's got a fan, he has 2 air conditioners not working so we're going to install a new a/c for him,” Fitzgerald said.

Finding a cool breeze on a hot summer day is necessary, but seeing so many who care is the breath of fresh air.

"Thank you for being so good to me,” Dancer said.