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New Book Showcases Katrina Fire Fighters’ Sacrifices |
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When Hurricane Katrina smashed into the Gulf Coast in 2005, some 6,000 residents of St. Bernard Parish—a few miles southeast of New Orleans—were stranded, unable to evacuate before the storm hit. But the St. Bernard Fire Department remained on the job.
A new book, The St. Bernard Fire Department in Hurricane Katrina, recounts the experiences of St. Bernard Parish Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1468 in the days after the storm. It includes amazing and often harrowing stories of the men and women who performed their jobs under extremely dangerous and stressful circumstances.
Most buildings were destroyed or damaged. Nearly the entire parish was under as much as 20 feet of water—including the central fire station—because of failed levies. Most communication was cut off. Parish firefighters ignored their own losses and focused on saving the lives and property of others.
Firefighters became the region’s EMTs, rescue and recovery workers, mechanics, social workers and provisions providers. Says Danny Todd, IAFF 14th District vice president:
These firefighters rescued and assisted residents knowing that they had lost everything while facing uncertainty about their own families. That they operated under such stress makes these stories even more remarkable.
Readers offer high praise for the book, written by Michelle Mahl Buuck, whose father and son were Parish firefighters during the storm.
Our community will forever be in their debt for holding down the fort and picking up the pieces, while at the same time watching their own homes and lives crumble—Sandy, Arabi, La.
Not only were they the rescuers, they were also the survivors who lost their own homes and property and some even lost family members. They are the true heroes of Katrina.—Judy, California
It was very hard to put down once I began to read about the men who were responsible for saving an entire Parish of people; especially without any state or federal assistance. The personal day-by-day trials and tribulations of each St. Bernard fireman is a must read by all.—Kendra, Metairie, La.
Proceeds from the sales of the book, benefit St. Bernard Parish IAFF Local 1468. To order copies, click here.
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