Released: April 17, 2023
April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services (DES) extend their thanks to the thousands of registered volunteers with the Citizens Corps of Delaware County (CCDC) for their time, expertise, and energy provided to the County of Delaware.
With nearly 2,500 registered volunteers, CCDC supports and augments the County’s first responders and emergency management staff during times of a major emergency or disaster. Over the past calendar year, CCDC volunteers — including the specialized volunteer units such as the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), the Delaware County Animal Response Team (DelCART), the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), and the Emergency Behavioral Health Team (formally DCORT) — have engaged in 68 missions, training, and events. Since the start of this year alone, over 900 volunteer hours have been logged!
“Our volunteers exemplify what makes Delco great; they give not only their time and talents, but their heart and soul to helping others,” said Delaware County's Department of Emergency Services Director Timothy Boyce. “Every mission they accomplish, no matter how big or small, makes our community a better place — a community of generosity, of inclusion and a community of hope.”
“The Citizen Corps of Delaware County and its volunteers are emblematic of the incredible spirit of collaboration within the Delco community,” said Delaware County Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “The response of volunteers during the pandemic was truly heroic, and volunteers tirelessly continue to step forward when needed and help us prepare for future emergencies.”
As a thank you to the hard-working volunteers who continue to provide critical help to our county, the CCDC Leadership team will be hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Potluck & Recognition Event on April 21, from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., at the Radnorshire Room, located on the Radnor Township grounds at 301 Iven Avenue in Radnor (follow the signs once you reach the Township grounds entrance).
All CCDC, MRC, DelCART, ARES, and EBHT (formerly DCORT) volunteers (and a guest) are invited to stop by for food and conversation. In addition, Pandemic Challenge Coins and CCDC swag will be provided to volunteers who assisted during the pandemic with advanced registration.
CCDC volunteers interested in attending must register through their Galaxy Digital Account Events calendar. In-person and virtual options exist for this event. Volunteers should contact Danielle Koerner, Deputy Chief of Special Operations, at koernerd@co.delaware.pa.us, if assistance is needed with their Galaxy Account.
Delaware County Council also extends its thanks to the many selfless volunteers who give their time to Delaware County residents through the opportunities presented by Delaware County Government departments, local non-profits and other civic, scholastic, medicinal and faith-based organizations. Your contributions and efforts to aid our community are appreciated. Thank you!
Those interested in becoming a Citizen Corps volunteer can visit the Citizen Corps website at delcocitizencorps.org for details.
More about Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
The goal of the Delaware County Medical Reserve Corps is to allow local volunteer medical and health professionals to contribute their skills and expertise throughout the year as well as during times of community need. Our Medical Reserve Corps unit is made up of medical and support volunteers who can assist our community during an emergency, such as an earthquake, hurricane, ice storm, an influenza epidemic, a chemical spill or an act of terrorism.
More about the Delaware County Animal Response Team (DelCART)
Delaware County Animal Response Team (DelCART) responds to disasters affecting household pets and livestock. We plan, set up, and run temporary evacuation shelters for animals and assist displaced pets and their people until safe to return home. We also promote pet emergency preparedness through community outreach.
More about the Delaware County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
Delaware County Amateur Radio Emergency Service is an organized unit of trained, FCC-licensed volunteer Amateur Radio operators dedicated to providing back-up, auxiliary emergency communication support to the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services (DES). Support is also provided to local, county and state agencies including PEMA and federal agencies including FEMA during disasters and other emergencies. The unit also provides communication support for public service events, widespread health emergencies and important exercises and drills.
More about the Delaware County Emergency Behavioral Health Team (formally DCORT)
The Delaware County Emergency Behavioral Health Team is comprised of behavioral health care professionals who dedicate their time to support community members during times of disaster. These volunteers are cross-trained with Psychological First Aid and various other specialized training to equip volunteers to safely serve the community. To learn more about this team and to volunteer, contact Laura Kuebler at Kuebler@delcohsa.org.