Chest Deep and Rising, The Hurricane Katrina Nightmare

Patrick Yoes, employed by the St. Charles Sheriff's Office since 1984, oversees the department’s Special Services Division. In 2005 he lived through 16 days of hell with Katrina. After the hurricane hit, Patrick participated in the Fraternal Order of Police relief efforts, where he helped coordinate vital services to the officers directly in the field at the height of the chaos and during the long months of recovery that followed. His involvement in the emergency services and recovery efforts in his parish and the surrounding area included taking part in a courageous rescue operation at the notorious Convention Center and delivering supplies to the law enforcement officers watching over the worst-impacted, most dangerous areas. The book takes the reader through the 16 days of his and his fellow officers’ journey, from shortly before the hurricane struck Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and traveled 120 miles inland—devastating an area about the size of England—to the time when he felt they had turned the corner in New Orleans. He also explores the reasons for the failures in emergency preparedness, the impact of Hurricane Rita, and what needs to be done for the future. This story conveys a moment when the future seemed out of reach, and out of control. It was a time when our world collapsed all around us. It was a time of ever-changing challenges, unspeakable horrors, and survival. Equally important, it was a time of bravery, heroic acts, and selfless devotion by America’s first responders.” – Patrick Yoes, author of Chest Deep and RisingYoes, Patrick is the author of 'Chest Deep and Rising, The Hurricane Katrina Nightmare', published 2006 under ISBN 9780977148288 and ISBN 0977148289.