Scott Olson, a volunteer Red Cross disaster relief worker in-training, got his first on-scene experience, Friday, March 9, 2012, when his phone rang early that morning. The Red Cross was responding to a 3-alarm fire in downtown Minneapolis.
2:30 got the call; 3:00 arrived on scene
We tried to walk close to the building, but there were flames licking out the second and third floor windows. The whole area was cordoned off by fire trucks and police.
We went to the shelter bus. About that time there were ten people on it. Most of them were very upset, crying, sort of in shock. I remember another responder saying she expected more people to be on the bus. She handed me a clip board and told me to go ask them some questions. Then they started to trickle out of the bus, finding places to go.
The other responder said this isn’t typical for a first response. I hope it’s not scaring you away she told me. No, I’m not scared. It was neat. I got the full exposure. I got to watch the media. It was the full-meal deal, really.
8:00 am close to getting parking ticket, left the scene; 8:10 am arrived home; stripped and fell on bed; magic happened after that
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Very neat Scott. YOU have made a difference and I’m so glad you have found your calling!!
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Thanks DuAnn! I’m glad I could lend a hand for this. You and JT should join up!
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maybe in a few years or so. too many season tickets for Vball and Lacrosse right now (oh and CONvergence and Ren Fest). not only that, but hubbs found a job at Siemens. YAY!!!
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Great to see another young person active in Red Cross.
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Scott – I was one of the people who lived in this building and was on the bus with you. Having you and the Red Cross there helped tremendously. Thanks for all your hard work.
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