Red Cross Islands Chapter -Receives an ambulance from Guemes Island Fire Dept.

Red Cross receives an ambulance from Guemes Island Fire Department.

Friday morning was a great day at the Red Cross Islands Chapter  in Anacortes. Thanks to the generosity of the Guemes Island Fire Department, Commissioner Jim Dugan, and Felix Edmunds delivered a beautiful ambulance to Brian Geer recently named the Director of the Red Cross Islands Chapter .  This newer ambulance, a 1989 model and is quite an upgrade from the 1985 vehicle the Chapter currently has. The newer vehicle has a diesel engine and is much more fuel efficient than the  gas engine the older one has. 

“The goal is to have one emergency response vehicle at every location in the Islands Chapter.” Geer said. Currently the Anacortes Location is the only one with a vehicle. The older response vehicle will more than likely go out to the San Juan Islands.   Geer also said  ”We will be looking for  local  businesses  to help sponsor the maintenance of the vehicles.  Currently Anacortes Automotive gives us discounts to help with the service maintenance of the vehicles but there  is a lot that needs to be done before this vehicle is equipped to go into service.”   The  new vehicle will need to have the emergency lights changed from the original red flashing lights to yellow, and also needs new decals with the Red Cross logo.  Inside the ambulance shelves will need to be put up, and it will need to be fully stocked with the basics needs in case of a local disaster.   Geer also stated ” I think it’s important  for those that donate  know where there donation has gone and  they get the credit they deserve.”  Therefore any business that donates to help with these vehicles will be acknowledged with their business name decals on the back.  

The local Red Cross is the first assistance families receive after a home fire. The Red Cross provides the family with basic home comforts, and help aid in finding temporary housing until they can get back on their feet.    If you would like to help donate to the maintenance of the Red Cross vehicles,  donate a vehicle , or sponsor a vehicle please contact Brian Geer at the local Red Cross Islands Chapter here in Anacortes www.ASJIRedCross.org

American Red Cross     
Islands chapter
P.O. Box 249

Anacortes, WA 98221
or call the Chapter office at 1-360-293-2911 for further information on how to donate.Volunteer Chad Renslow, Commissioner Jim Dugan, Director Brian Geer, and Felix Edmunds with the Guemes Island Fire Department pose for a picture  in front of the donated vehicle.