Like in many other cities, in the City of East Chicago there is often a crisis situation. Whether it is a gas leak, flooding, fire or a natural disaster there is always one team of volunteers there to give a helping hand to our Fire, Police Departments and local commercial and industrial partners. The East Chicago Emergency Management Agency, lead by Director Herbie Cruz and staffed by local volunteer citizens, Cesar Perez, Arthur Cruz, Adrian Santos and Monica Gonzalez.
One thing desperately needed by this team was a good vehicle to deploy in an emergency situation; that need lead to a search for a solution. The solution just so happened to be rusting away in the parking lot of the East Chicago Fire Department. An old ambulance that was decommission years ago was just the right tool the department needed, but of course that needed funding. Director Cruz asked Mayor Anthony Copeland for support and the green light to get started. First thing needed was the funding to recommission the vehicle, so Director Cruz asked local steelmaker ArcelorMittal and the Foundations of East Chicago for funding to make it a reality.
Last year, ArcelorMittal, the world’s leading steel and mining company, provided $20,000 in grants to several departments in the City of East Chicago to support safety. “Health and safety are top priorities at ArcelorMittal and therefore, one of the key areas in which we focus corporate philanthropy,” said Kelly Nissan, Communications and Corporate Responsibility Manager, ArcelorMittal. “We’re happy to support community efforts like these.”
“I would like to thank Mayor Copeland for his support. As an emergency responder for over 28 years, he recognizes the importance of emergency preparedness. Having the resources enhances our ability as an Emergency Management Agency to assist the Police, Fire and EMS services during a disaster. As we have all experienced, it's not if a disaster will occur but when. I would also like to thank ArcelorMittal and the Foundations of East Chicago. These organizations stepped upand made it possible to put our Emergency Management Response Vehicle on the road and equip our vehicle with the tools needed to respond to any emergency situation. Most of all, I would like to thank the volunteers who have dedicated hundreds of hours to assist the residents of East Chicago in their time of need.” said Herbie Cruz, Director of Emergency Management for East Chicago.
“I am proud to see the City of East Chicago working with our corporate partners to restore this emergency vehicle. We live in a city surrounded by industry. One of our biggest concerns is the safety and the well being of our residents as well as the employees who come and go every day. Being prepared is half the battle, and today’s preparedness determines tomorrow’s successes.” said Anthony Copeland, Mayor of East Chicago.
The Foundations of East Chicago provided $15,000 toward the EMA vehicle with the balance from ArcelorMittal.