NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — To the outside world, film, television, and writers the FBI is where the secret agents save the world and stands for Federal Bureau of Investigation. But to the FBI, it’s a family, and the letters stand for fidelity, bravery, and integrity. All of these qualities prevailed during Hurricane Katrina 10-years-ago.

Law enforcement perhaps has the worst job during a crisis — evacuation is not an option for the country’s great protectors. 210 employees of the New Orleans’ FBI branch were impacted by the storm. For the FBI, it was the most catastrophic event for a division in history.

In an interview with News With a Twist reporter, Meghan Kluth, special agent, Michael Anderson, called into question whether or not the agency should even participate in the city-wide celebrating of 10 years because for some employees the memory is still too painful.

“Nothing really formally had been done to recognize Katrina in the last 10 years and it’s probably because of the trauma  associated with it. So the first thing we did was talk to all of the employees to get a feel, is it right to do it at all? What would it look like if we were to do something? And there’s a number of folks that are still having a very difficult time with it, who probably did not attend today because it was too painful.”

National Director of the FBI James Comey was the keynote speaker at Friday’s ceremony and said that in times of crises you see the true heart and soul of your employees. Nothing but words of respect and thanks were given to the members of the FBI who so bravely remained in a city underwater.

Retired agents shared fond memories at the ceremony shedding some light on a dark situation. They joked of setting up camp in various locations like frat houses in death valley, and a country club straight out of the 70s. The group joyfully laughed at the speeches like a true family at a reunion.

The event was concluded with a second line, and the planting of an oak tree to symbolize the future growth of the organization.