A Rockland County doctor and firefighter joined emergency personnel throughout Hudson Valley to help the victims of Katrina.

Connie Coker?s husband, Dr. Erik Larsen, is the associate director of the emergency department at White Plains Hospital. Last Wednesday, he reported to New Orleans Airport, which has been transformed into an emergency treatment center. She says despite her feelings of being without her husband, she knows it?s nothing compared to what those who've lost it all are feeling.

Joel Kanasky, of Suffern, was dispatched to duty on Monday. He's a firefighter dedicated to saving lives, but now is responsible for finding the dead. His wife, Ruth, says he describes the situation as bad, but says the people are good.

Both women are looking forward to their husbands returning on Friday, knowing that even their arrival may be temporary.

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