Guard is pulling out of New Orleans

[unhappycamper]

Guard is pulling out of New Orleans
By Mary Foster - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Feb 27, 2009 17:58:34 EST

NEW ORLEANS — Three and a half years after Hurricane Katrina, the National Guard is pulling the last of its troops out of New Orleans this weekend, leaving behind a city still desperate and dangerous.

Residents long distrustful of the city’s police force are worried they will have to fend for themselves.

“I don’t know if crime will go up after these guys leave. But I know a lot more of us will be packing our own pieces now to make sure we’re protected,” said Calvin Stewart, owner of a restaurant and store.

New Orleans Police Superintendent Warren Riley said his rebuilt police department is up to the job of protecting the city. “I think we’re ready to handle things,” he said.

The National Guardsmen were welcomed as liberators when they arrived in force in a big convoy more than four days after Katrina struck New Orleans in August 2005 and plunged the city into anarchy. The force was eventually 15,000 strong.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/02/ap_guard_new_orleans_022709/%2e