Volunteer of
the year named
A volunteer firefighter has
been selected the Volunteer of the Year for the City of Moreno Valley.
Dominic Durden, who also serves as a member of the Emergency Response
Force (ERF) and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was chosen as
the volunteer who best represents the ideals and commitment of volunteerism.
Durden and several other volunteers, including those who have volunteered
500 hours and 1000 hours, were recognized at a ceremony on Saturday, May
15, 2004.
Durden serves his community by covering volunteer fire equipment on a
regular basis and responding to emergency incidents for those in need.
His dedication of time and his overall demeanor exemplify the true meaning
of a volunteer. Durden says the best thing about volunteering is the satisfaction
that comes from helping others. But volunteering has also taught Durden
something about himself. “I’ve broken out of my shell. You
can ask anyone who knew me in middle school, early high school. I was
real quiet, never really talked to people. Now I’m the one who’s
presenting at meetings and readily there to talk to the public if they
have any questions,” he said.
Durden, 22, assists in leading meetings, training, and staffing events
that require the presence of the Emergency Response Force. Typical events
are: providing first aid for the Relay for Life, providing first aid for
the City’s Annual 4th of July Family Fun Fest, distributing disaster
preparedness information at health and safety fairs, and providing rehabilitation
for firefighters on incidents. The rehabilitation consists of providing
water, Gatorade, food, shelter, heat in the wintertime, and cooling mist
fans in the summertime.
Each year, Moreno Valley honors volunteers at an annual ceremony and picnic.
This year, the ceremony took place at the TownGate Community Center.
Moreno Valley has a strong volunteer community, with more than 1,900 people
participating annually. For more information about Moreno Valley’s
volunteer programs and services, call 909.413.3800.
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