President Trump Praises Acevedo, HPD During Hurricane Harvey

HOUSTON — Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo is hardly shy when it comes commenting on hot button issues that relate to the city. However, he seemed shocked and humbled when he was recognized by President Donald Trump during a national police chiefs conference in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.

Trump invited Acevedo to the stage, all the while commending the chief's leadership during Hurricane Harvey, the massive storm which made landfall on the Texas Coast in August 2017.

"During Hurricane Harvey, the Houston Police Department [went] six consecutive days of 24 hour shifts to rescue thousands...of stranded citizens," Trump said. "They worked through long nights, pouring rain...and people gained even more respect for what you do."

The @realDonaldTrump @POTUS goes off script and calls Major Cities Chiefs Association President @houstonpolice @ArtAcevedo to the podium for his commitment to public safety and efforts related to Hurricane Harvey.

HPD’s Command Staff are also called to stage. #MCCA2019 pic.twitter.com/y1Js8QehQ9
— Major Cities Chiefs Association (@MjrCitiesChiefs) February 13, 2019

With members of the HPD command staff joining him on stage, Acevedo who grinned as he took to the podium, calling Trumps remarks "spontaneous."

"This just speaks to the professionalism and commitment of our men and women, but also our partnership with our federal partners" he said. "We could not have survived that event without the Coast Guard, the FBI, and the DEA..."

The event was hosted by the Major Cities Chiefs Association.

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