JULY 31, 2013
Rural/Metro employees donate more than $30,000 for families of Yarnell 19
MESA – When news of the 19 firefighters lost while fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire reached Rural/Metro of Central Arizona, employees quickly and quietly went to work to help in any way they could.
With support from the communities served by Rural/Metro Fire Department and Southwest Ambulance from San Tan Valley all the way to Cave Creek, crews raised more than $30,000 to help the families of those brave 19 men.
“I am so proud of our firefighters, paramedics and EMTs for taking the lead and stepping up to help these families,” said Vice President John P. Karolzak. “The 100 Club has supported families of our crew members who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and we knew there was no better way to show our appreciation and support than to raise money for those who have lost someone.”
Harold’s Carrol of Cave Creek called Rural/Metro Fire Department two days before their annual July 3rd party and asked the firefighters to help raise money for the 100 Club. They raised more than $15,000 that night from the community who gave more than anyone expected and showed how grateful they were for the hard job firefighters and their families have in protecting the community.
In addition, Rural/Metro partnered with Frontier Town in Cave Creek, Superstition Farm, San Tan WalMart, Subway, and many others. All the funds raised by Rural/Metro, including donations from Rural/Metro employees from around the country, was given to the 100 Club of Arizona.
“The 100 Club is speechless over the generous support received by business and supporters nationwide, including Rural/Metro and Southwest Ambulance,” said 100 Club Executive Director Sharon Knutson-Felix. “The outpouring of love has been overwhelming, and shows us that the public understands just how important our public safety officers and firefighters truly are to this community. With this money, the 100 Club will be able to help these survivors for many years to come.”
Rural/Metro Fire Department has also been assisting Yarnell Fire Department while they continue to work through the difficulties of recovering from the devastating fire.
For more information about Rural/Metro Fire Department and Southwest Ambulance, visit www.ruralmetrosouthwest.com.
