I work and continue to work side-by-side the first responders of Katrina
photographing their daily jobs and lives. Their story does not end yet.
What many forget is, most local first responders lost nearly everything in
the storm, suffered just as much, and have the same housing and
financial struggles as the civilian residents. Yet - these first responders,
once out of the water - jumped back into the water on boats, trucks, and
feet to rescue the tens of thousands of desperate victims, many their own
neighbors. They worked tirelessly those first weeks without a single day
off, and continued to work nearly a year later on Katrina-related duties
such as body recovery, and today their jobs are still affected by the
aftermath of the storm.
Many journalists look for the sensational aspects of such jobs. I approach
my job as a photographer with far more sensitivity than many of my
journalistic colleagues.
Time and time again, I photograph the personal, intimate side - the first
responders' hard work and dedication, their immense sacrifice. I get to
know them as people, friends, family members.
I walk the ground with them, spend entire days from morning till dusk -
that add up to weeks and sometimes months with them. I see what they
see, and get to know them every step of the way.
The first responders are the heroes of Katrina.
Ride Hamilton