Philadelphia officers head to Puerto Rico for hurricane relief efforts

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WTXF) - For three weeks, four men from the Philadelphia Sherrif's Office will be in Puerto Rico to aid in the U.S. territory's disaster relief.

Puerto Rico continues to struggle with basic needs like electricity and drinking water in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

Inspector Michael Bastone, Sergeant Joshua Perez, Deputy Sheriff Officer Alessandro Carrasquillo and Deputy Sheriff Officer Enrique Marin -- who each have familial ties to Puerto Rico -- join other volunteers under the direction of the Red Cross.

The officers will be based in Rio Piedras, which hosts the main campus of the University of Puerto Rico.