Allentown Fire Department Presents Certificate of Appreciation to Red Cross
News Release: October 8, 2007
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing; American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 508-4378

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley was one of 10 agencies that received a certificate of appreciation at this morning’s 2007 City of Allentown Fire Department Awards Ceremony and Memorial Service. The event, held at the Civic Theatre, marked the beginning of October as Fire Prevention Month.

“We are honored to be recognized by the outstanding men and women of the Allentown Fire Department,” said Cordelia E. Miller, director of emergency services for the local Red Cross. “Allentown residents are fortunate to have such dedicated and heroic firefighters.”

Last fiscal year (July 1, 2006-June 30, 2007), the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley responded to 127 residential fires, a record high for the agency. Red Cross volunteer disaster workers respond around the clock to help families affected by emergencies such as residential fires, sink holes, floods, and other natural and human-made disasters.

At the scene of a fire, Red Cross provides shelter, food, clothing, shoes and emotional counseling. Red Cross continues to work with families during their recovery process to get them back to pre-disaster status.

In addition, the Red Cross provides community education programs to help people prevent and prepare for emergencies.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 680,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 23,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.