New Orleans Fire Fighters Thank Carpenters Union and Leary Foundation for New Stations

August 27, 2009 – New Orleans, LA Local 632 fire fighters are unveiling new fire stations throughout the City that were restored and renovated through a massive effort that began after Hurricane Katrina’s destructive assault on the Gulf Coast four years.

The New York City District Council of Carpenters Labor Technical College and the Leary Firefighters Foundation launched the New Orleans Firehouse Restoration Project in 2007 to rebuild 11 fire stations. Hurricane Katrina destroyed or damaged 22 New Orleans fire stations.

“The people responsible for this project have done much more than rebuild fire stations," says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. "They have restored a fire department and helped to ensure the safety of everyone in New Orleans – its residents and its fire fighters.”

“Every member of New Orleans Local 632 deeply appreciates the unselfish sacrifices of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, the Leary Foundation and the New Orleans Building Trades. We are eternally grateful for their hard work, support, dedication, generosity and commitment to rebuilding our firehouses after Hurricane Katrina,” says Nick Felton, president of New Orleans Local 632.

The IAFF tried for more than three years to get assistance from the federal government to rebuild the stations, but it never did. "It’s fitting that the dedication and determination of our Carpenters Union brothers and sisters gave New Orleans fire fighters what they need and deserve to do their difficult jobs. We can’t thank them enough,” says Schaitbeger.

More than 200 Carpenters from New York and Louisiana donated 8,000 hours of their time to renovate and rebuild fire stations devastated by the hurricane. Money for the project came from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, New York City District Council of Carpenters, Leary Firefighters Foundation, corporate donations and the workers themselves. The value of the donated labor and materials reached an estimated $1.5 million.

The IAFF will present Carpenters union President Doug McCarron a plaque to honor their work in New Orleans, spearheaded by Gerry Crimmins, Sean Keogan and Jason Engles.

“Unions, civilians and sponsors joined the Leary Firefighters Foundation on the New Orleans firehouse restoration project, and as we approach the anniversary date of Hurricane Katrina, we commend their efforts,” says Denis Leary, president of the Leary Firefighters Foundation.