ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Summit Electric Supply sponsored two Humanitarian Awards at the 2013 American Red Cross in New Mexico Real Heroes event held May 21 at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
The Bonito Volunteer Fire Department and PNM Mutual Assistance Team were honored for embracing the values and principles of the Red Cross. Receiving the Humanitarian Award is a special achievement. It is not an annual award and is only presented to those who have gone above and beyond the call of service. This year, two groups received exceptional distinction for courageously facing dangerous circumstances to help others in need.
Thirty-four individuals from the Bonito Volunteer Fire Department were recognized for battling the Little Bear Fire near Ruidoso, New Mexico. The erratic blaze started after a lightning strike in June 2012 and eventually consumed more than 40,000 acres and 254 homes and commercial buildings over several weeks. Thanks to the knowledge and skill of the Bonito Volunteer Fire Department, there were no casualties or injuries.
Summit’s Vice President of Marketing Sheila Hernandez presented the Humanitarian award to the volunteers and acknowledged the department’s bravery and humanity in rescuing their community.
Hernandez presented a second Humanitarian Award to 41 members of the PNM Mutual Assistance Team for their call to action after Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast. The team, which included individuals from across New Mexico, worked in unfamiliar and dangerous environments in Maryland and New Jersey to help restore power to more than 50,000 homes, in addition to comforting families and connecting people to much-needed resources.
“You are being honored because of your courage to face unknown dangers,” Hernandez said, “and your compassion to help people thousands of miles from home.”
The Red Cross Real Hero Awards recognized individuals for their heroism in 11 different categories, including Humanitarian.
Summit is a longtime supporter of the American Red Cross and contributes monetary donations and materials regularly to help meet local, national, and international needs.
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