RSS Blog FeedMilwaukee Wisconsin People and Paws Report
Posted at 5:44 PM, Sep. 9, 2005
Subject: RealTalk: Hurricane Katrina - Rescue Effort Update From Chris Schlechta
From: "Chris Schlechta"
Hello Everyone,
Our entire team, People & Paws Search & Rescue, arrived back home to Milwaukee, WI last night from New Orleans. I want to give a very heart felt "Thank You" to those that made donations to our team at
www.peopleandpaws.org or mailed them to our Milwaukee address. Normally, we respond to searches and incidents within 3 hours of Milwaukee, however because of the size and scope of this incident, we could not in good conscience turn down the request made of us from the Louisiana Governor's office through the Bear Search and Rescue Foundation ( http://www.bearsearchandrescue.org ).
Because of the long distance and the need to replace alot of contaminated equipment, we are still collecting donations to restock team and personnel equipment, as well as pay off our substantial fuel expenses for the 4 trucks with 2 boats and our command/equipment trailer that we dispatched to New Orleans. As I mentioned before, we are a 100% volunteer team that is primarily self-funded. We do not charge law enforcement, fire & EMS, and local, state, or federal agencies for our services.
This assignment has taken a substantial toll on the teams finances and ability to provide services in the future. Any money donated to the team is spent solely on equipment, supplies, medical supplies, and travel expenses. Any money left over is used to offset the expense of our team's training and ongoing education. We do not have any administrative expenses as we are 100% volunteer.
If you could find it in your heart to make a monetary contribution, any amount would be greatly appreciated. You can visit our team website at www.peopleandpaws.org and make a payment via PayPal (credit cards) or you can mail it to our Milwaukee mailing address at:
People And Paws Search and Rescue
Attn: Lynn Gardiner
3887 N. 93rd St
Milwaukee, WI 53222
please make the check payable to "People and Paws Search and Rescue" I also want to thank Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) in Sturtevant, WI for outfitting our team with 2 large boats, new motors, and the use of one of their testing engineers that accompanied our team to New Orleans. Without their unbelievable assistance, our task would have been near impossible given the flooding we encountered. I would also like to thank Brian & Lori Tomasek and Lisa Caffery of the Yardarm Bar & Grill in Racine for holding a fundraiser to benefit our team and the American Red Cross over this past weekend. Their generosity is deeply appreciated.
Our team worked in New Orleans, Metaire, and Chalmette.
We were happy to locate and evacuate about 202 people, 7 dogs, and 2 cats. The conditions we encountered are truly beyond description and can only best be described that it looks like a bomb went off. Some areas were still in 6-12 feet of water, other areas were completely and totally destroyed. Please keep the people of this region in your thoughts and = prayers. I will have more information after this weekend, just taking some time to rest and cleanup equipment.
The team will be at Menomonee Falls Fire Safety Fair in Menomonee Falls, WI this Saturday from 11am-4pm. At that time we will also be holding a press conference at 11am. The team has also been featured on the front page of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as well as CNN and U.S. World News. Please feel free to stop by and talk with us.
God Bless,
Sincerely,
Chris Schlechta
Vice President, REALTOR
American Homes Realty, Inc.
1015 S. Green Bay Rd
Racine, WI 53406
(262) 631-6909 ext 224 Office
(262) 320-4007 Fax
(262) 989-2000 Mobile
chris@americanhomeswi.com