They're out in force, patrolling in jon boats, motorboats and even canoes through south Louisiana's new, flood-made waterways, saving cats, dogs and people.
They're known as the "Cajun Navy," and in recent days they've become possibly the nation's most important neighborhood watch.
It reminded me of this moment, one in which, I'm modest to note, I participated:
American Dunkirk: People at Ground Zero, the Manhattan Waterfront, nearby New Jersey, Staten Island and Brooklyn waterfronts, and crews on the numerous vessels repeatedly used the phrases "just amazing," "everyone cooperated, and "just doing what it took" to describe maritime community responses. Individuals stepped up and took charge of specific functions, and captains and crews from other companies took their direction. . . . Private maritime operators kept their vessels onsite and available until Friday, Day Four, when federal authorities took over.
Is there anything more chilling than the words "federal authorities took over"?