NOLA firefighters giving back to the Rockaways - Big Easy to the Big Apple

Image source: dakine kane on Flickr

On CBS 880AM radio this week, we heard about the group of New Orelans firefighters who arrived in the Rockaways – here on their own time – to help with hurricane relief, no matter what is needed. It could be serving food, or cleaning out a soaked basement, or just lending their ear to someone who needs to talk out their pain and frustration. It’s being called the “Big Easy to the Big Apple.”

These folks know what it’s like to survive and recover from a monster storm like Hurricane Sandy. Each of them experienced life after Hurricane Katrina – all the flooding, fires, and destruction – and knows what it takes to clean up and move forward. They are here to return a favor – many NYC firefighters went down to NOLA to help after Hurricane Katrina. This is one way for them to express their thanks.

New Orleans Fire Department Captain Billy Shanks says it best, “I lost my house completely. I had nine feet of water during Katrina. To have these guys come down there and give us a helping hand. What more than for me to come up here and to help them out in any kind of way.”

Three dozen firefighters are committed to assisting in the Rockaways, and they are rotating their time from week to week. While one dozen are up here, two dozen are back home covering for each other’s shifts. Southwest Airlines is covering the air fare, too.

New Orleans Firefighters Come To Help NYC Firefighters Who Helped Them After Katrina [CBS News]