The celebratory mood at a ceremony held Sept. 26 to honor the Howard County Fire and Rescue workers returning from Louisiana was a far cry from the logistical challenges the group endured while providing relief from two hurricanes.

As the eye of Hurricane Gustav passed directly over them on Sept. 1, the first county team sent to assist local authorities, along with thousands of other first responders from around the country, huddled in the Louisiana Emergency Shelter on the campus of Louisiana State University in Alexandria, La., and faced a multitude of problems.

If sustained winds in excess of 50 mph weren't enough, water was seeping into the shelter, the sewage system was backed up and the ventilation system had failed.

"We chose to leave," Battalion Chief Charles "Chuck" King said, explaining that his team proceeded to look for another place to bunk.

Throughout their stay in Louisiana, the county workers faced a steady stream of challenges, from finding an open gas station to transporting victims as flood waters rose.

"Communication was extremely difficult," King said, noting that radio channels and cell phones lines were down.

King resorted to calling back to headquarters in Maryland and having cell phones with a direct line feature sent down.

Despite the obstacles, the four-man team -- as well as a second, five-person team that relieved them -- dealt with the succeeding storm, Hurricane Ike, and learned valuable lessons in Louisiana.

"We definitely learned the importance of good organization," King said.

At last week's ceremony, held at the James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center in Marriottsville, Department of Fire and Rescue Services Chief Joseph A. Herr said the team's experience will benefit the county in the future.

"We, at some point, will suffer some sort of disaster," Herr said.

At the ceremony, Herr and County Executive Kenneth Ulman presented team leaders King and Captain Raymond Petry and their team members with certificates.

Members of the first team, besides King, included William M. Huber, Michael W. Sharpe and Charles E. Krug. The second team, besides Petry, included Jennifer A. Shilling, Thomas O. Norman, Kevin S. Frizzell and Andrew J. Hoffman.

The team members said that besides what they learned, a highlight of the trip was the gratitude expressed by hurricane victims.

"You almost felt like a celebrity. We truly were appreciated," King said.

"It's reassuring to know we actually did some good for some people," Petry added.

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