Читать книгу No Ordinary Heroes: - Demaree Inglese - Страница 5

This is a true story. I interviewed many people to gather the information necessary to construct an accurate timeline and reliably re-create dialogue, especially in situations where I myself was not present. I would like to express my gratitude to the many medical personnel who submitted to endless hours of questioning: Cheryl Blake, Kentrisha Davis, Yolanda Dent, Marcus Dileo, Carol Evans, Hedy Hartzog, Lakesha Favis, Lillian Ford, Gary French, Robert Gates, Samuel Gore, Michael Higgins, Pebles Jones, Scarlatt Maness, Chuck Perotto, Daphne Powell, Jan Ricca, Brady Richard, Denise Sarro, Paul Thomas, Duane Townzel, and Victor Tuckler. I am also indebted to the security personnel from the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office who assisted me: Jim Beach, Gary Bordelon, Robert Brown, William Devlin, Mary Goodwin, Gerald Hammack, Sidney Holt, William Hunter, Chuck Jones, Mary Baldwin Kennedy, John Lacour, Matthew Mills, and John Phillips.

I would like to thank the individuals who furnished photographs for the book: Jim Beach, William Devlin, Samuel Gore, Michael Higgins, John Netto, Jan Ricca, David Skeins, Pam Laborde and Charles Warren from the Louisiana Department of Corrections and Public Safety, and Patrick Garin Photographer. Also, Jarred Zeringue provided the excellent maps that appear in the book.

While I cannot possibly thank all of the incredible security personnel who fought to keep inmates, staff, and civilians safe during our ordeal, I would like to express my appreciation to the Correctional Center deputies I worked with personally. We owe these brave men and women a great deal, possibly our lives: Danny Boersma, James Brunet, Shandreka Cobbins, Chris Dietz, Patricia Ross, Richard Skyles, Allen Verret, and Lance Wade. I would also like to express my appreciation to Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr. and Louisiana Secretary of Corrections Richard L. Stalder for their assistance in evacuating everyone from the jail.

I want to acknowledge my friends Tony Guidry and Jerremy Brum, who took Sam Gore and me in after our departure from Houma. Later, they supported me with friendship and a place to bunk when I first returned to Louisiana. I also want to thank Sheriff R. Jack Strain, Jr., for providing me with food and lodging for weeks after the storm.

I will forever be indebted to Jerry Purcell, who opened his home to me for many months while my own house was being renovated. In addition, his technical support was invaluable to me as this project developed.

I would like to thank Joan Tapper, who assisted with shaping and sharpening the narrative, my agent, Tim Wager, who supported this project from its inception, and my editor, Michaela Hamilton, who helped guide this book to publication.

I must mention my longtime friend, Betsey Wilcox, without whom this book would not have been possible. Betsey introduced me to my coauthor, Diana G. Gallagher, and provided encouragement as we struggled to tell this story.

Finally, Diana Gallagher and I were truly equal partners in the writing of this book. Her ideas and experience were essential, and it was both a privilege and a pleasure to work with her.