Work on Saturday April 12^th.

Again we split into two crews.

One crew went to the home of NOFD Firefighter Matthew Spector and his wife.  Matt is doing extensive renovations to his home.  Matt is doing the work himself in between NOFD shifts and school.  He had expected to move into the upstairs in about two months.  The work done by GBFD firefighters cut that timeframe to 2-3 weeks.  Matt and his family are extremely grateful.  Matt’s father, Richard, lost his home to the storm and related to us that “ you (GBFD firefighters) don’t just give us help, you give us hope, which is a greater benefit than you know.  We haven’t been forgotten.”  Richard emphasized that this “applies not just to the Green Bay Fire Department but the whole community of Green Bay.”  

The other crew returned to NOFD Operator Brian Jackson’s house.  This group completed work on exterior doors.  Also, a storm destroyed fence was removed and a new fence built.  Brian’s girlfriend, Janet, was so moved by the progress made by GBFD firefighters that she had to leave because she would “start crying” and “couldn’t stay any longer” because she was so grateful for the help.

We are only just beginning to partially comprehend the extent and intensity of the realities of the Hurricane Katrina disaster.  The effect on the lives of these NOFD firefighters is profound.  We have heard some harrowing stories and seen some very raw emotions.  It is extremely gratifying to help our NOFD brothers.