Tales from the Frontline..New Orleans Police Officer Sheds Some Light..

[ChessMo]

Straight from the source, really helps you understand that regions plight..
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"My life has changed immensely because of this storm. The stories you have seen on CNN leave a lot to be desired and only tell part of the story. For several weeks following the hurricane, I lived in conditions that I would not wish on my worst enemy. There was limited food and water, no electricity, no running water, no toilets, nothing. The entire city was flooded and access was extremely limited.


During the day my command rescued people as we could with several boats we confiscated. All total we helped over 400 men, women and children to safety. No way of escaping the dirty, filthy water which was contaminated with raw sewerage and diesel fuel. At night we guarded police headquarters and other assets. Worked 20 hour days with broken sleep. If you could get 2 hours at a time you were fortunate.

Many officers (including me) developed sores on our feet and legs from the water. You were always in the water. Some guys could not walk after about a week. The stench was overwhelming at times even though you thought you were used to the smell. Combat conditions were present everywhere. We were even shot at while trying to rescue people. That’s right – rescue people! We went out with a rescue boat and a cover boat. The cover boat provided protection while the rescue boat loaded people. It seemed that everywhere we went we saw dead bodies in the water. It was horrific.

Several officers were shot by looters including my guys. One was shot in the head and nearly died. A close friend of mine on the department could not take the conditions and killed himself. Another officer also committed suicide. No time to grieve though… we had a job to do. Suicide was not the only way out. Other officers simply abandoned their posts and left the city. We lost over 300 officers. I have no sympathy for the cowards.


A couple of days before Hurricane Rita hit the Gulf, things were starting to look better. FEMA brought in a cruise ship and put us on it. Never knew a shower could be so good. Think I stayed under the water for an hour getting this crud off me. I even had a pair of clean underwear to put on afterwards. Amazing how such a simple thing can make your day.


Now that Rita is bearing down on the Gulf Coast, the ship left port and set sail for Florida. I’m homeless again, living out of my suitcase. Can’t believe I have to sleep on a cot again after having a clean bed on the ship. Oh well… I was getting soft anyway! Praying this hurricane does not come close to New Orleans. If we got hit with a tropical storm it would be devastating.


There are many things I miss. What I wouldn’t give for a Big Mac and some fries. I think I miss football the most of all. Any distraction would be welcome though - even a Hockey game. My heart might not be able to take a football game at this point!


Well, I have to get back to the grind. Please keep us in your prayers."

[ironpig70]

i can't imagen having to stay and deal with it all.

[ScottFJ40]

Link?

[Roverhound]

We've all read these posts and stories on the internet. Doesn't it strike any of you people that none of them can be attributed to a real person?
Without proof, they're just stories to me. Kinda like stuff on CNN.

[ChessMo]

This is a REAL story from a REAL person his name is Kirk Bouyeals

I belong to a FF site that this guy use to be a major part of, here is the link to the whole story... http://www.fantasyfootball.com/modul...?articleid=357

[ukjeeper]

Assuming its true, Kirk and his colleagues deserve a big honkin'

[rockmup]

Straight from what source?

I had a chance to work with some of those guys, and they said that the two that offed themselves did it because they were busted with a house full of looted stuff. Just what I've been told, and I'm down there. Except I get to come home Tuesday