Nampa Firefighters to Assist Hurricane Katrina Victims
(Friday, September 02, 2005) Two Nampa firefighters will be assisting Hurricane Katrina victims. Travel arrangements are being made for Jeff Mutchie and Gregory “GT” Hausner.
Nampa Chief Jim Woydziak (Way-jack) offered the team of two firefighters to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“Many department members volunteered for the assignment,” said Woydziak. “We hope to be able to send FEMA more teams in the future.”
Mutchie and Hausner will report to Atlanta, Georgia for training before they are deployed to one of the affected areas. They will administer some first-aid and will direct victims to other assistance they may need.
Chief Woydziak said, “At this point we don’t know where these men will be used. They will have to be prepared for the worst of conditions, possibly living in a tent and out of a backpack, eating MRE’s (meals-ready-to-eat) for the next 30 days.”
Mayor Tom Dale encouraged Chief Woydziak and the firefighters to be involved in these relief efforts.
“Our hearts go out to the people who have gone through this horrible tragedy,” said Mayor Tom Dale. “The scope of devastation we are seeing from this hurricane is beyond imagination, the needs are simply overwhelming.
“Our firefighters see these needs and are ready to offer their hearts and their skills to help,” the mayor said. “It is a privilege for the City of Nampa to offer our assistance during this time of great need.
"I urge all Nampa residents to do whatever they can to help in the relief effort,” said Mayor Dale. “A list of charities, volunteer opportunities and other resources is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency at http://www.fema.gov/press/2005/resources_katrina.shtm. Please give. The entire region has suffered the loss of essential services, and the need for assistance is massive.
"Ours is a compassionate community that has given much in times of need in the past. Let us all keep the victims of this disaster in our thoughts and prayers," said Mayor Dale.
