Thank you all for your help on Sunday!

Even though I see fires everyday, it really is something different when it happens close to home. I couldn’t believe it when I woke up Sunday morning to screams for help coming from the building across the street. I saw the fire engines pulling up and immediately reached for my phone. When Cynthia answered, she politely and calmly took my information, reassured me and dispatched the DAT.

As I headed outside with bottles of water from my disaster supply kit in tow, I began distributing them to my hot and scared neighbors. Within 10 minutes of my call to Cynthia, I saw the DAT. Scott Grimwood and Marshall Works were there to save the day. Scott laughed and said, “Nicole I couldn’t understand why you were calling. I wondered if you were listening to a scanner at home.” It turns out; they were the ones who had been listening to the scanner. In fact, they were already on their way before I even knew there was a fire.

They strategically parked their vehicle, made contact with the incident commander and began handing out cold drinks to the firefighters and my neighbors. As I tried to calm people, a miraculous thing happened. I heard the conversation in the crowd change from fear to appreciation as people began to say things like, “It’s so nice that Red Cross is here.” Of course, they don’t know that you do this type of thing three times a day.

Scott and Marshall were great. They instantly calmed people and helped them find hope in the chaos. Scott was in constant contact with Elaine, his staff support person. She did an amazing job and I couldn’t have done better myself. Scott knew he would need reinforcements to help the 10 families whose apartments had been damaged. Elaine made some calls and Bob Marshak and Carl Moskowitz were willing to come from home and be their back-ups. They arrived with cots and paperwork but most importantly with smiles and hugs.

Everyone did an amazing job and I was overwhelmed with pride and admiration for what you all do everyday. About 5 hours after the fire department left, after every family had a place to stay and 7 hours after they first arrived, they packed up their vehicle and headed back to the office.

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you all. Thank you.

Nicole

Nicole Holtgrefe is the director of preparedness and client services for the St. Louis Area Chapter.