The Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management, the Philadelphia Fire Department and the Philadelphia Police Department recognized the efforts of the Second Alarmers Association of Philadelphia today during a ceremony for National Volunteer Week 2011.
“National Volunteer Week,” said Liam O’Keefe, Philadelphia’s Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management, “is an opportunity for us to celebrate the dedication of ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things through service.”
Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers, Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and Deputy Managing Director O’Keefe presented volunteers from the Second Alarmers Association of Philadelphia with certificates to honor their service to Philadelphia’s first responder community.
“These volunteers,” said Commissioner Ayers, “aid Philadelphia’s fire and emergency medical service personnel in their efforts to fight fires and save lives.”
The Second Alarmers Association of Philadelphia formed in 1921 with the mission to provide rest and rehabilitation to Philadelphia’s fire and police emergency responders during major incidents. The non-profit has responded to every multiple-alarm fire in Philadelphia since its inception. They have even responded to extended service one-alarm fires as well as various other incidents.
In February 2011, the Second Alarmers established a new record of responses in a 24-hour period. From 3:00 a.m. February 19 to 2:30 a.m. February 20, these volunteers responded to nine incidents throughout Philadelphia.
“It’s that spirit of public service that is at the very heart of National Volunteer Week,” Commissioner Ramsey said. “We commend the Second Alarmers for their long-standing commitment to Philadelphia’s first responders.”
National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 to honor those who dedicate themselves to taking action and improving their community. It’s also about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their community.
For more information, please visit the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management at www.phila.gov/ready.
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