Westchester County is stepping up to help the people of Puerto Rico once again after the island sustained catastrophic damage from Hurricane Fiona this weekend.

The assistance been swift and coming from all levels of government and local organizations.

It's a personal undertaking for Sgt. Hector Lopez, president of the Westchester Hispanic Law Enforcement Association. He is among those leading the way in mobilizing the local response to Hurricane Fiona, and praying for his family still stuck there.

A descendant of Puerto Rico, Lopez is vetting local organizations to ensure donations are in good hands.

"The Westchester County community always responds. No matter whatever it is, they're there," he says. 

His organization had a similar situation in 2017 after hurricanes Irma and Maria nearly destroyed the island.

Westchester Executive George Latimer urged county residents to donate money, goods or time if possible.

He reminded the community about the impact a hurricane had on the area just a year ago.

"The goodwill of all of us as Westchester residents will be brought to help them," he said. 

New York is sending 100 Spanish-speaking state troopers to support Puerto Rico's relief efforts, and the New York Power Authority is ready to deploy and restore Puerto Rico's utilities.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has promised to send drones to the Caribbean to survey the damage.

Local organizations hope to start taking in donations as soon as this week.