Kudos to EMD volunteers

They give tirelessly of their time. They don’t wait until disaster lands on their doorstep to get involved. They are busy now.

Annually, they spend hundreds of hours providing training, attending meetings and advocating for better plans and equipment. Meet EMD’s volunteer squad – each an expert in their own right and willing to be of service to Riverside County.

“Volunteers make us better,” said Jennifer Smith, Volunteer Program Coordinator for the Emergency Management Department. “From amateur radio operators to nurses, they profoundly enhance our ability to respond and recover from emergencies and disasters.”

On April 30, EMD gave much-deserved praise to members of Disaster Corps, EMD’s umbrella volunteer program, during the first-ever Volunteer Recognition Brunch. Approximately 15 volunteers, hand chosen by EMD Volunteer Programs for their exemplary service, attended the ceremony.

Particular praise was given to the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) group, which was designated as the Volunteer Organization of the Year. RACES volunteers Maureen Hiemstra and Harold Witten accepted the award on behalf of the group. Standout RACES star Mark Utley also received the 11th Hour Volunteer Hero for regularly answering the call for help when training or public education was needed. Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteer Sparrow Greene received the Community Service Award for being a champion in both training and recruiting members to join MRC.

“Our volunteers are dedicated to the cause,” said Dana Lagunas, Volunteer Programs Administrative Services Assistant. “They have big smiles and even bigger hearts.”