(no subject)
Firefighter sees 'miles and miles of destruction'
Jeffrey Blackwell
Staff writer
(September 22, 2005) - The devastation stretches for miles and people in every direction need help, said Rochester Fire Capt. Dave Kaltenbach.
He and seven other area firefighters are working in New Orleans and other hurricane-stricken areas in Louisiana. They have helped secure temporary shelter for homeless residents and even created a place to house and treat rescued animals.
"It's much worse than I expected," Kaltenbach said via cell phone Monday from St. Bernard Parish.
"There are miles and miles of destruction."
A team of eight local firefighters - six from the Rochester Fire Department and two from the St. Paul Fire District in Irondequoit - has been in the area for two weeks and is expected to stay another two weeks.
Monday they were working with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to locate and inspect trailers to be used as temporary shelters.
Kaltenbach said he tries to spend some time each day at the animal shelter they built. Paramedics on the team have provided first aid to some of the animals.
"It's kind of like a MASH unit for animals," he said.
The team also helped local firefighters in the French Quarter collect personal belongings from their station.
Kaltenbach said they are staying in an old industrial warehouse in Baton Rouge. They are sharing the building with 200 other volunteers. There are two bathrooms and six showers, he said.
"But we don't have it as bad as people who have lost everything," Kaltenbach said.
"And we have a place to go back to when we go home. It makes you appreciate what you have."
in addition, Taylor, I am praying for you. Stay strong.
and here's a few pictures of my car.
FIN.