Volunteer Appreciation Month: Geno Rosario

You could call the Western Kentucky Red Cross chapter “small but mighty.” Geno Rosario sees it as a positive, saying “that’s the benefit of working with a smaller chapter. You learn to do a little bit of everything that’s needed.” Geno and his wife have been Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers for years, doing damage assessment in Iowa, Oregon, and Kentucky.

Geno, far left, working at an information and recruiting booth
with Western Kentucky volunteers

Geno began volunteering in 1998, teaching classes in CPR/First Aid and Preparedness, Health, and Safety Services (PHSS). Geno was a firefighter for 21 years and saw the initial stages of disasters. “As a firefighter, you get accustomed to seeing tragedy but it’s momentarily. You go in, put the fire out, and once you’re done you go to the station and wait for the next call. You don’t think of the aftermath.” In 2009, Geno volunteered with his first disaster after an ice storm hit Kentucky. He assisted with the shelter in Western Kentucky and decided to continue helping in disaster services.

“With Red Cross, I learn more about the other side. Dealing with people and the consequences. How they feel,” explained Geno. Geno began taking more courses and is now an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) driver and trainer. He helps with feeding, canteening, and distribution of medical supplies. Geno has deployed as a health services volunteer and supervisor for shelters. “I’m the first contact person for the ERV. I service the vehicles here. I do what’s needed for our chapter,” said Geno.

Geno is a part of the Latino Engagement team and provides a critical bond with those who speak Spanish. “You learn a lot working with different populations. Compassion. Confidentiality. It can be a challenge but if you like what you’re doing, it’s not really work,” said Geno.

Even on his off days, Geno is a key member of the Western Kentucky chapter. He has friends in the ambulance service who call his personal cell when a disaster hits. “They will call me and let me know if a fire or something big hits. They let me know if they need help. Getting water, food, providing services,” said Geno. As if his resume isn’t impressive enough, Geno is also a Blood Donor Ambassador for blood drives.

Geno’s love for volunteering coincides with the people he meets. “I get to make long term friendships with the other volunteers. You have the same sense of community and want to help,” reflected Geno. This Volunteer Appreciation Month, we want to say THANK YOU, Geno! Your work helps bring people together. Find out how to become a disaster volunteer by visiting RedCross.org