American Red Cross Active Across Connecticut on Saturday with Fire Responses, Cooling Centers, Public Events
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| Paul Shipman |
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July 24, 2010
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Saturday was active in many communities for the American Red Cross Connecticut Chapter. The Chapter provided volunteers and cold beverages at cooling centers in Bridgeport and Waterbury during the day, as well as at a Meriden funeral for a fallen police officer.
The Red Cross also responded to fires in Bridgeport and Wallingford.
The Bridgeport fire, on Elmwood Avenue, displaced three families. Tragically, two firefighters lost their lives battling the blaze. The Red Cross was on hand to provide support for the families and to canteen the emergency responders and brought in a mental health professional to assist as well, given the situation.
“This is a tragedy,” said Mario Bruno, Chief Operating Officer of the Connecticut Chapter. “We view firefighters and other first responders as true heroes who put their lives on the line. This is a great loss for the community and our thoughts are with the firefighters’ families and all who are affected by this terrible fire.” Bruno noted that the Chapter had earlier in the day canteened the funeral of a Meriden police officer who had died earlier in the week. “It’s an honor for us to support first responders and their families at a difficult time like this. We owe so much to the brave men and women who serve our communities.”
The Chapter responded in the afternoon to a fire in Wallingford on Franklin Street, helping two people with temporary lodging, financial assistance for emergency clothing and food needs, as well as clean up supplies.
Bruno said the Chapter had also supported cooling centers in Bridgeport and Waterbury, where it provided cool water for people seeking relief from the heat.
“This has been an unusually busy day for us. We are fortunate to have volunteers and staff that are able to keep our response capacity strong. We are also grateful to the donors who provide the funds to support the services we offer,” Bruno said.
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