| USA. New Orleans Fire Service still rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina |
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| Thursday, 09 March 2006 | |
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Hurricane news: Amid the criticism of the response to Hurricane Katrina is an encouraging story - the fire service in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast continues to humbly and effectively protect their communities and rebuild their departments, day in and day out. Despite limited resources and long hours; despite being separated from their families for months; despite facing challenges they never expected, America's firefighters remain committed to their communities and their jobs, according to the International Association of Fire Chiefs. "Firefighters are the first in and the last out of any crisis," said Chief Bill Killen, president of the IAFC. "No matter the situation -- a hurricane, terrorist attack or a hazmat incident on a highway -- the fire department will be there to put themselves between the public and danger." In a recent conference call that included fire chiefs in the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina, the chiefs expressed their gratitude for their personnel. They couldn't be more proud of their firefighters' dedication and resourcefulness despite their own personal loss. In the hours and days following Hurricane Katrina, fire departments across southern Louisiana and Mississippi sustained themselves for days or weeks without help from the state or federal governments. They trekked through several feet of water to respond to dozens of large fires. They commandeered boats and, in New Orleans alone, made more than 16,000 water rescues. While there was little help from state and federal authorities, there was an abundance of support poring in from fire departments across the country. National fire service organizations helped coordinate resources and offers of assistance. More than 4,000 firefighters left their own communities and responded to FEMA's request for Community Relations teams. Hundreds of fire departments offered to provide donations of money, supplies or personnel to support the stations that were devastated by the storm. Six months later, firefighters are working out of trailers parked in front of fire stations because stations are damaged. Many are still without their homes and personal possessions. They are still separated from their families, some living in FEMA trailers or on a cruise ship. Yet they are preparing for another season, reviewing the lessons learned and sharing ideas and solutions. When Hurricane Season 2006 comes around, the fire department will be ready. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 09 March 2006 ) |
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