Texas police save life of 95-year-old man by fixing air conditioning in heat wave

Home Depot staff pitched in their own money to help officers buy the unit

When temperatures in Texas hit 32 degrees celsius, police came to the aid of a 95-year-old resident who was sweltering in the heat.

Julius Hatley sat in the shade of his porch every day to keep cool, and would continue working in his garden despite the high temperature.

He called 911 to report his broken air conditioner, and two officers from Fort Worth police department paid him a visit after carrying out a couple of more high priority calls.

Officers William Margolis and Christopher Weir found Mr Hatley’s central air conditioning and window unit were indeed out of action.

“When we got there around 8.30 am his house was 85 to 90 degrees already,” Mr Margolis told CBS. “In Texas, it gets hot.”

The officers then went to Home Depot and asked staff to find them a good air conditioning unit.

After hearing Mr Hatley’s plight, staff and managers were so touched that they pitched in their own money to buy the unit.

“While there, Home Depot managers and employees decided to contribute $150 of their own money to help with the cause,” Mr Weir's wife, Jennifer, wrote on Facebook. “This is what being an officer is about.”

Mr Weir returned to Mr Hatley’s home with officer Steven Rebrovich later that day to install the unit.

Mr Hatley told reporters, "I appreciate that", and posed for several pictures with the officers.

Ms Weir said that since the story had gained traction, an air conditioning company offered to replace his system for free.

His windows were also replaced, his house re-painted and Ms Weir said on Facebook that groceries were being delivered every week. She praised the community for "rallying around" Mr Hatley.

Officer Margolis said he planned to check up on Mr Hatley occasionally.

"He's 95 years old and he's a World War II veteran," he said. "He's a hero. In our eyes he's our hero."