Katrina Chronicles: Leading Through Catastrophe - A Fire Chief's Story

Welcome to another powerful installment of the Katrina Chronicles, our continuing series marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. While most of the public focus after Katrina was on New Orleans due to the devastating levy breaks, this killer storm wrecked the coast of Mississippi in ways still being studied today. The citizens of Mississippi responded with heart, grit, and a steadfast belief that they would overcome the effects of the storm. Their resilience in the face of unimaginable loss, and the long, arduous path to recovery is a moving testament to courage and community strength.

Today, we’re privileged to speak with Pat Sullivan, Fire Chief of Harrison County, Mississippi. Back in 2005, when Katrina roared ashore, Chief Sullivan was leading the fire department in Gulfport—a city squarely in the storm’s path along the Mississippi coast.

In this episode, he takes us back to those harrowing days: the tense lead-up to landfall, the unprecedented challenges faced by first responders, and the deeply human moments that emerged amid the chaos. Through his firsthand accounts, Chief Sullivan paints a vivid picture of the courage, determination, and resilience that defined the response. His heartfelt reflections shine a light on the tireless efforts it took to safeguard lives and begin the long road to recovery—honoring the spirit of a community forever changed.

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina (August 2005), a large and extremely powerful hurricane, caused enormous destruction and significant loss of life. It is the costliest hurricane to ever hit the United States, surpassing the record previously held by Hurricane Andrew from 1992. In addition, Katrina is one of the five deadliest hurricanes to ever strike the United States. In all, Hurricane Katrina was responsible for 1,833 fatalities and approximately $108 billion in damage (un-adjusted 2005 dollars).

Hurricane Katrina - August 2005