Former Merced County Deputy Sheriff hospitalized after tornado destroys Texas home

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Merced County Sheriff's Office is calling on its community to support Former Deputy Sheriff Daryl Allen after his home was leveled and his family was hospitalized by a tornado.

Daryl's son Grayson stood in the wreckage after an EF-2 tornado, with winds reaching 135 miles per hour, swept through the Allen family's North Texas neighborhood.

Daryl and his family took shelter as the twister destroyed everything they owned.

Aerial video shows their mobile home flipped on its side among a blanket of debris.

Grayson described the terrifying aftermath, saying, "When everything was over, my brother had to dig my parents out of the debris. It was terrible. My dad has a fracture in his neck, my mom has a broken back, and my brother is doing fine right now."

The shock of what had happened was felt more than 1,500 miles away in the North Valley.

Action News spoke to Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke about Daryl's time with the department.

A 17-year veteran, the Sheriff says his impact stands strong.

"He started something, a trajectory for our office that has just blossomed because of his tenacity and his artistic nature. I'm hoping folks feel compelled to help out," Sheriff Warnke said.

Daryl also served as the department's public information officer, tasked with informing his community on the toughest topics.

His character outside the office was equally admired. Sheriff Warnke tells us Daryl moved to Texas to help his parents with their family business.

"The fact is that he is a solid individual and one of the true family men. His boys were everything, and he doted on his wife," the Sheriff said.

Daryl and Rene have since been released from the hospital.

A GoFundMe has also been made on the family's behalf to cover medical and damage expenses.