Your Prayers Are Needed (Katrina) (NYPD)

[ECurto]

UPDATE: Just wanted you all to know Kirk is home and safe. Thanks for the prayers!




Ok i didnt know where to post this. So mods feel free to move.

I know we are all praying for the victims of Katrina. But Im asking for prayers for my partner. He is an Nypd officer. And we are both HUGE Disney fans. As you may or may not know, Hurricane Katrina was devastating. It obliterated 1 state, and most of 2 others. Over ten thousand are dead, and floating in the water the alive are living in. Looters are taking over the cities, and shooting each other, and ANYBODY who tries to stop them. These states now look like 3rd world countries. We all sit here and think “that’s sad” and do nothing about it. Well today Kirk (my partner & NYPD officer) was sent there for 3 weeks, with out a warning, and without even being able to say goodbye at 2AM. He will be in a task force to either stop looters, or recover victims. Kirk has a bad back, and a huge heart. He is going to put everyone and everything before his own safety. So I’m asking that you all to keep him and all the service men and women in your prayers. They can use all the prayers, support, and pixie dust you can send our way.

Thank You! And God Bless.

 

[dandee00]

He is going to put everyone and everything before his own safety. So I’m asking that you all to keep him and all the service men and women in your prayers. They can use all the prayers, support, and pixie dust you can send our way.

Thank You! And God Bless.

I hope your DH and all the service people will be okay. When I read about what is happening I get a knot in my stomach and a lump in my throat. This is devastating. I can't even imagine how much damage has been done.
My heart goes out to all the people directly affected by this force of nature.

 

[mrFDNY]

god bless him and all he comes across and praying for speedy,safe return!! the nypd has always had my upmost respect!!

 

[disneyaggie]

Many blessings and prayers to you ALL! I can't even imagine the task these fine law enforcement individuals are taking on. May God bless them ALL! You are all my heroes!

To add another level to all of this . . . I live here in Dallas. We are expecting 20,000 to 25,000 of the NO people by today (Saturday). Folks, I am not happy about this and I will tell you why.

I know we are supposed to help others . . . and yes, I have already started donating, and our company is graciously donating. But on the buses going to Houston, law enforcement confiscated around 30 guns! The Chief of Police in Dallas said security has stepped up in the Dallas refuge locations quite a bit because they are concerned some NO gang members are now in our presence. Great. Just what we needed.

From what I understand (please correct me if I am wrong; I would love to be wrong on this one!), many of these folks now here in Texas are the ones who were basically living off of government subsidy. Texas has way too many illegal aliens we are stupidly supporting now, and now we have to support these folks, too. I have been further led to believe that many of the folks coming in have no interest in working. They are under the belief that "everybody owes me so let them support me while I sit on my butt".

Being in healthcare, I work with many elderly. It sickens me that we will shell out way too much money for the lazy, but won't shell out much, if any, for our own senior population, who have contributed for years to the system.

Our crime rate is going to soar. We are already expecting that. And then I heard that Texas as a whole will be getting around 160,000 of the refuges. Yes, that's no typo: 160,000!

I don't know how they are all going to find jobs. Hopefully they will be transported later on (sooner than later is my hope) to other locations across the nation so they would have a much better chance of finding work.

But I know for now, let's get them some stability so they can make wiser choices.

 

[Dreamer04]

I'll keep your partner in my prayers. Thank him for me, okay?

I'm one of those people who say 'what a shame' while sitting on my couch. Without people like your partner, we'd all be living in a hellhole.

Many blessings on you, yours and everyone else who puts their life on the line for others.

 

[swilphil]

Kirk is in my prayers. He is truly doing a wonderful thing. I hope you two get a trip to Disney World when this is all over.

P.S. You might also want to post on the Community Board. It's fine to have it here, but you can't have too many prayers. There are tons of people over there who never check this board.

 

[babar41]

ECurto... my prayers are with you and Kirk. I have 3 Milwaukee police officers in the family, I know what it is like to worry about those you love. Thank God for our brave men and women who help maintain, and in many instances bring order.

disneyaggie... I don't know what to say to you. I understand your concerns, but you seem to have judged these people who are in need as perhaps not being worthy of help. While you don't seem to mind donating either things or money, you don't want these people around. I think, especially after the devistation that these people have experienced, that is a rather cold thought.

I hope your reevaluate your feelings and realize fow unfair it is to judge people you have not yet met. Also, remember, when you look at these unfortunate people, people who have lost everything, but by the grace of Grace of God there go you.

 

[eeyore45]

Adding prayers.

I have been watching the CNN, Fox and MSNBC for the last 3 days, pretty much non stop. I have another board that I post some of the highlights as they are happening, so those that are at work w/o tv access like to read the posts... I'm saying that for a couple of reasons... 1 I firmly believe that things have changed for the better... a long time coming... I did watch as reporters with video phones heard shots, and saw truckloads of armed thugs drive by, and then police... I read that a firehouse was under siege, and they had at least 50 people inside - so yes, the fear is real...

However, I pray that these are in isolated areas. They have the greatest need, and I am grateful that people like you and your partner are making sacrifices for people you do not know.

I pray we concentrate on the 90% of the people that are not armed, that are not dangerous, that are also in hiding, in fear for their lives, and I know but for the grace of God, go I... In the incident with the video phone, later a truck loaded with water went by, and the reporter was stunned when people came out of nowhere screaming, chasing the truck, he went to see what they were yelling... he found out... "water, water,please" the truck did not stop, and the reporter cried on the video phone when he came back. This was yesterday around noon I believe.

I agree that the centers all around the south are filled with evacuees, and that the government has set up zip codes for people to receive aide. I read that FEMA has set up a number that if you are housing evacuees, that you are entitled to aide, I believe Texas esp said money and food stamps, and they are waiving waiting periods...

So may God heal the hearts of those that are suffering, may He grant us peace in this confusing time, and allow us to serve Him, without prejudice.

 

[mommyoeo]

Many blessings and prayers to you ALL! I can't even imagine the task these fine law enforcement individuals are taking on. May God bless them ALL!

To add another level to all of this . . . I live here in Dallas. We are expecting 20,000 to 25,000 of the NO people by today (Saturday). Folks, I am not happy about this and I will tell you why.

I know we are supposed to help others . . . and yes, I have already started donating, and our company is graciously donating. But on the buses going to Houston, law enforcement confiscated around 30 guns! The Chief of Police in Dallas said security has stepped up in the Dallas refuge locations quite a bit because they are concerned some NO gang members are now in our presence. Great. Just what we needed.

From what I understand (please correct me if I am wrong; I would love to be wrong on this one!), many of these folks now here in Texas are the ones who were basically living off of government subsidy. Texas has way too many illegal aliens we are stupidly supporting now, and now we have to support these folks, too. I have been further led to believe that many of the folks coming in have no interest in working. They are under the belief that "everybody owes me so let them support me while I sit on my butt".

Being in healthcare, I work with many elderly. It sickens me that we will shell out way too much money for the lazy, but won't shell out much, if any, for our own senior population, who have contributed for years to the system.

Our crime rate is going to soar. We are already expecting that. And then I heard that Texas as a whole will be getting around 160,000 of the refuges. Yes, that's no typo: 160,000!

I don't know how they are all going to find jobs. Hopefully they will be transported later on (sooner than later is my hope) to other locations across the nation so they would have a much better chance of finding work.

But I know for now, let's get them some stability so they can make wiser choices.

Sometimes we help people and there are a few who take advantage. We canot think about that part-- we know they will answer to God for their behavior and we also know that we will asnwer to God to helping the poor, etc. I know it is easy to become hard when you deal with some dishonest people, but try to think the best of them-- even if it is just for your own good frame of mind I beleive the people who scam others will be punished for their bad behavior in the long run, just as you will be blessed for trying to help as many as you can. Keep your mind on good things! Think of it like this: everyone would help "good" people but it takes someone special to care even about "bad" ones.

I hope you are safe! I understand your fears--

I also pray for the safety of those serving in NO right now. They are not guaranteed another minute! Last night on FOX NEWS, they showed 30,000 at some center (not the dome but some public building) and he police officer was clearly scared for his life! He begged people to get busses in there before night fall because it was more desperate people than his few officers could handle and he know many would not survive the night when looting broke out. It was so terrible! Here was a man giving everything he had, even though he knew others would die and it might be him.

Truly bad times bring out the true character of a person. There are many who are giving everything and some who are the worst human kind has to offer. It is sooo sad to see these folks further hurt innocent people who have already suffered more pain than I can imagine. But hopefully, more people will rise up and protect those innocent!

For the OP whose partner was sent out, I know you must be a wreck! I am so sorry because I know you hate to see him be in such a dangerous place. I hope you will find comfort in remembering how much he wants to help people-- which probably had lots to do with why he's an office in the first place. It sounds like he is a "giver" at the core. I will join you in prayers for him!

 

[crabmeal]

Paryers for Kirk and all those he is helping. I do sit at home cry and say what a shame. But I do pray every night for the victims.

 

[zurgswife]

Prayers for Kirk for the aide he is giving to those in desparate need....Thank him when you talk to him...these people need all the help they can get..

 

[LadyDulcinea1]

Will be keeping Kirk in my prayers as well. I appreciate all the work that the NYPD does and know how hard it must be for everyone involved in this tragedy. Thank him for me as well, the world needs people with big hearts.

 

[Julia M]

I believe support is coming from all over the US. We live in CA, and have a friend leaving for NO. He's from the fire department.

Julia

 

[disneyaggie]

disneyaggie... I don't know what to say to you. I understand your concerns, but you seem to have judged these people who are in need as perhaps not being worthy of help. While you don't seem to mind donating either things or money, you don't want these people around. I think, especially after the devistation that these people have experienced, that is a rather cold thought.

Cold? No. Concerned? YES! Again, you are way up there up north, my friend. Imagine if busloads of refuges were coming to your city and state and the law enforcement is already confiscating guns! Would you be happy? I would hope not.

And judging? No. Remember, I have heard a lot of facts, including reports from the Dallas Police. Enough to feel comfortable as to what I am saying. And remember, what you hear way up there is "national" news. Nothing from the local level like Dallas or Houston. I am actually now getting calls from friends across the nation who want the "real scoop". Actually I have family members and co-workers who are at the refuge sites with the "real" stories!

Again, if you are not here, you truly would not have a concept or concern about public safety and other potential issues going on here in Texas. But if you lived here in Texas, you might be a tad bit more knowlegable about some (I did not say all), but some of the folks already moving in. Here in Texas, we are all connected through other friends in other cities who have a lot more information that what I am sure you are receiving.

If I didn't want to help them, I would not have donated the way I did. I truly do feel for these folks and can not even imagine the horrors they suffered. And yes, I do pray for them all constantly. I just keep wanting to wake up as though this were a huge nightmare.

So everyone, please continue to pray for these refuges, with extra hugs and prayers to those serving in any law enforcement capacity. They are truly putting their lives on the line and for that I thank them.

 

[Deb & Bill]

It's not just law enforcement putting their lives on the lines. People I work with were shot at while they were trying to rescue patients from one of our hospitals. Then as they were trying to rescue the remaining employees and their family members, the rescue teams were shot at again.

I was at another location helping the employees as they got off our buses - we didn't wait for FEMA to do the rescue otherwise our patients, employees and family members would still be in our hospital. These people, hard working, dedicated employees who had the misfortune to live in a city that was devistated by the hurricane, got off the buses with little or nothing in their hands. They were appreciative of the shelter that was going to be provided to them. They were appreciative of the hot showers and clean clothing, hot meals and clean beds. They risked their lives for our patients.

Children got off the buses with their parents. Carrying not much more, if anything. What kind of life can they expect?

Our employees will continue to be paid by our organization. They will continue to get their benefits. We're trying to relocate them to other communities where they think they might like to go to in the meantime or to restart their lives. We're finding them jobs within our organization. We can't build them new homes, though.

Their life as they knew it is over. They have nothing to go back to. Our hospital in that area may not reopen for months, maybe years. We have a few staff still there trying to protect the building from looters. I wish those types would crawl back under their rocks or get left behind to fend for themselves.

How many of you woke up this morning thinking that you might not have a home later on this afternoon? That everything you have worked for could be gone. I'm sure none of the people of New Orleans, Biloxi, Mobile, Gulfport, Slidell and other communities that were hit thought that either when they got up on Aug 28. It was just another day with a bad storm headed their way.

Cherish what you have, the important things in life, like family. Be thankful you were not there when the hurricane hit.

 

[disneyaggie]

It's not just law enforcement putting their lives on the lines. People I work with were shot at while they were trying to rescue patients from one of our hospitals. Then as they were trying to rescue the remaining employees and their family members, the rescue teams were shot at again.

I was at another location helping the employees as they got off our buses - we didn't wait for FEMA to do the rescue otherwise our patients, employees and family members would still be in our hospital. These people, hard working, dedicated employees who had the misfortune to live in a city that was devistated by the hurricane, got off the buses with little or nothing in their hands. They were appreciative of the shelter that was going to be provided to them. They were appreciative of the hot showers and clean clothing, hot meals and clean beds. They risked their lives for our patients.

Children got off the buses with their parents. Carrying not much more, if anything. What kind of life can they expect?

Our employees will continue to be paid by our organization. They will continue to get their benefits. We're trying to relocate them to other communities where they think they might like to go to in the meantime or to restart their lives. We're finding them jobs within our organization. We can't build them new homes, though.

Their life as they knew it is over. They have nothing to go back to. Our hospital in that area may not reopen for months, maybe years. We have a few staff still there trying to protect the building from looters. I wish those types would crawl back under their rocks or get left behind to fend for themselves.

How many of you woke up this morning thinking that you might not have a home later on this afternoon? That everything you have worked for could be gone. I'm sure none of the people of New Orleans, Biloxi, Mobile, Gulfport, Slidell and other communities that were hit thought that either when they got up on Aug 28. It was just another day with a bad storm headed their way.

Cherish what you have, the important things in life, like family. Be thankful you were not there when the hurricane hit.

Oh, so true. My thoughts and prayers to everyone involved. Being in healthcare, I could not imagine my level of anger of knowing I was trying to save a patient, while low-life scum were jeopardizing everyone's safety. I'm with you -- leave who I call the "scum" behind to fend for themselves. I just hope and pray that those refuges truly have a job soon so they can see some light. I know we have already started gearing up to hire some of those who want to work ourselves. It will be a joy giving someone a chance to start fresh and lead a productive and full life.

And you are so right about cherishing the important things in life. I have always felt blessed, and I feel even more blessed now more than ever before. This has truly put a new perspective on what is really important, more so than normal. As a matter of fact, I leave for WDW in a few days and honestly, I just don't have the thrill and zip I used to when knowing I was going. My excitement is just not there after all of this. The only reason I am not backing out is because a friend of mine is flying into Orlando where we will both link up at that time and I don't want to back out on her in such a short time period.

But I can tell you this, my heart is so heavy right now.

 

[Belle23]

ECurto- My prayers are on their way to you and your partner.

I believe that no living thing (humans or animals) should ever go through what the people of hurricane Katrina is going through right now. Also, just because you hand over a donation does not mean it is right to pass judgments on people. We are Americans and need to stand by everyone not just those who we think deserve our help. I really can’t believe in a time like this disneyaggie is passing such judgments on people who aren’t even in your town yet and hasn’t even given you a good reason to make such comments.
Personally, I am sickened by what I read from disneyaggie I am sorry, but it was so rude and disrespectful to those people. They are homeless and you are worried about them invading your town. Even if they did have guns they were confiscated and believe me I am no fan of guns, but right now those people need a roof over their heads and to have food and water. And for those who are breaking the law they will eventually get what is coming to them, but until then we should help everyone. I am sorry if I am being out of line myself, but that was just so mean to say about some of the people of New Orleans.

 

[disneyaggie]

ECurto- My prayers are on their way to you and your partner.

I believe that no living thing (humans or animals) should ever go through what the people of hurricane Katrina is going through right now. Also, just because you hand over a donation does not mean it is right to pass judgments on people. We are Americans and need to stand by everyone not just those who we think deserve our help. I really can’t believe in a time like this disneyaggie is passing such judgments on people who aren’t even in your town yet and hasn’t even given you a good reason to make such comments.
Personally, I am sickened by what I read from disneyaggie I am sorry, but it was so rude and disrespectful to those people. They are homeless and you are worried about them invading your town. Even if they did have guns they were confiscated and believe me I am no fan of guns, but right now those people need a roof over their heads and to have food and water. And for those who are breaking the law they will eventually get what is coming to them, but until then we should help everyone. I am sorry if I am being out of line myself, but that was just so mean to say about some of the people of New Orleans.

You totally missed my point. Talk about passing judgement (smile). And yes, they have already started rolling into town. Again, you have been misinformed. You obviously did not read my entire post, or just chose to pick out the pieces you wanted to twist around and make judgemental comments on.

Again, I will repeat for you since you may not have understood, I do have a heart. I do care. (I will not repeat everything I wrote; you go back and re-read). But again, while you do not know the information I do (obviously), you should not pass judgement on me, which is what you are doing.

I am all for helping these people. No question about that. But again, just for you, I repeat, you are not here. Even as of YESTERDAY, Dallas' Chief of Police (not one from Oklahoma, but a guy who is here) was commenting on issues that were already starting! And the buses had barely rolled into town! Again, I am here. You are not.

Oh, and just a note, think about this . . . with someone needing to collect all of their possessions that they can carry, interesting how instead of something worthwhile, many thought it would be important to tote a gun. Just a thought.

And again, my company is looking at hiring some of these folks. There are many decent, honest folks who truly need help. I am not into helping the looters, the gang members and the thugs who very well may have robbed the very people that are in the same facility as them. I have other thoughts of things that should happen to them. But that is for God to handle.

So, do understand Belle23, you are totally off base on your assumption. I would not have donated what I did and continuously keep these folks in my everyday thoughts and prayers if I did not support the efforts to help these folks. Totally. Again, I am here. You are not.

And hey, since you are right up the road, feel free to hop in your car and donate your time to help these folks. That would be great! You are always welcome.

 

[Belle23]

Many blessings and prayers to you ALL! I can't even imagine the task these fine law enforcement individuals are taking on. May God bless them ALL! You are all my heroes!

To add another level to all of this . . . I live here in Dallas. We are expecting 20,000 to 25,000 of the NO people by today (Saturday). Folks, I am not happy about this and I will tell you why.

I know we are supposed to help others . . . and yes, I have already started donating, and our company is graciously donating. But on the buses going to Houston, law enforcement confiscated around 30 guns! The Chief of Police in Dallas said security has stepped up in the Dallas refuge locations quite a bit because they are concerned some NO gang members are now in our presence. Great. Just what we needed.

From what I understand (please correct me if I am wrong; I would love to be wrong on this one!), many of these folks now here in Texas are the ones who were basically living off of government subsidy. Texas has way too many illegal aliens we are stupidly supporting now, and now we have to support these folks, too. I have been further led to believe that many of the folks coming in have no interest in working. They are under the belief that "everybody owes me so let them support me while I sit on my butt".

Being in healthcare, I work with many elderly. It sickens me that we will shell out way too much money for the lazy, but won't shell out much, if any, for our own senior population, who have contributed for years to the system.

Our crime rate is going to soar. We are already expecting that. And then I heard that Texas as a whole will be getting around 160,000 of the refuges. Yes, that's no typo: 160,000!

I don't know how they are all going to find jobs. Hopefully they will be transported later on (sooner than later is my hope) to other locations across the nation so they would have a much better chance of finding work.

But I know for now, let's get them some stability so they can make wiser choices.

Well I have read this again and stand by what I said before. You do not know these so called lazy people and have no clue why they are on government help (if that is even the case). Also how can you compare these people to illegal aliens? These are citizens of the United States of America (emphases on the United part). Also what does the chief of police not being from Oklahoma have anything to do with this?

 

[deadhedjen]

Oh, and just a note, think about this . . . with someone needing to collect all of their possessions that they can carry, interesting how instead of something worthwhile, many thought it would be important to tote a gun. Just a thought.

Um, I'm no thug..but you betcha I'd be taking a gun with me if I had to evacuate my home...and had to fend for myself....and my kids.

ecurto...
I will keep Kirk in my prayers.

Jennifer.