REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN

Monday September 5, 2005

AN Ashmore man was one of the few New Orleans police officers who remained in the devastated US city to protect the helpless in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

James Gourlie, 30, who moved to New Orleans after marrying an American woman, became a national hero after staying on while many in the district’s force of 200 fled.

James sent his wife, Jennifer, out of New Orleans before the hurricane hit, but true to what he described as “the Anzac way” he returned to his post.

At one stage the former Benowa State High School and Keebra Park State High School student and 30 fellow police officers were trapped in a motel after being hopelessly outnumbered by armed gangs who took over their police station.

His proud father, Rod Gourlie said his son, whom he had just spoken to, was happy that publicity over his situation had raised awareness of the plight of the locals.

”He is a gutsy little guy, he has got stickability, which is proved by the fact he stuck at his post when others deserted,” he said.

“He is over the moon about what we have managed to do for him.

“He was absolutely challenged at the lack of activity to rescue these people out of the convention centre.

“But he is not a hero, he is a policeman who has a sense of duty.’’

Mr Gourlie said his son was being positive but was not out of trouble.

“One of the great things is James hasn’t drawn his gun … and it is a lawless society.”