Although it has been 2 1/2 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast and the City of New Orleans, many of New Orlean's fire fighters have not been able to return to their homes due to damages caused by the storm.  While busy taking care of the citrizens of New Orleans their own personal concerns have taken a backseat. After attending the IAFF's ALTS Onference in New Orleans in January and hearing of the plight of Local 632 members, IAFF Local 141 member Ryan Gibbons has taken it upon himself to try to do something to make a difference in their lives.  He has organized the "New Orleans Build" project where 10-12 Green Bay Fire Fighters from IAFF Local 141 will travel to New Orleans in April and work specifically on repairing Katrina damaged homes of fire fighters.  Through his efforts, the necessary funding to assist our Brother and Sister fire fighters in their travel expenses is being secured from private, corporate and charitable entities.   

While in New Orleans, the group will be staying in a FEMA trailer near Station 14 at night while making repairs to homes during the day.  All supplies and building materials will be provided by the homeowner.  Said Gibbons, "This is something that should have been done a long time ago and if we all do a small part we can make a huge difference."  The group plans on staying in New Orleans for a week.

If you would be interested in making a donation to help defray travel costs, please send it to; New Orleans Build, 1570 Elizabeth St., Green Bay, WI 54302.  Make checks payable to Green Bay Fire Fighters New Orleans Build.