By Lori Baker, American Red Cross Communications Volunteer

When disasters strike, American Red Cross Volunteer Randy Ogden quickly gets the word out to victims about obtaining shelter, food, medical care and other Red Cross services.

Randy leads impactful media campaigns through print, TV, radio and digital media to let victims of floods, wildfires and other disasters know where and how the Red Cross could help them.

“I am a Red Cross volunteer because the Red Cross absolutely makes a difference for people who are having the worst days of their lives. The Red Cross provides absolute compassion and empathy to the victims of disasters. We provide hope,” he said.

Because of Randy’s extraordinary Red Cross volunteer work, he was honored as the Southern Arizona Chapter’s Disaster Cycle Services Volunteer of the Year.

Since becoming a Red Cross volunteer four years ago, he has held multiple disaster relief positions with a focus on public affairs. He is a great public relations representative for the Red Cross, both locally and on deployments. He deployed to wildfires in northern Arizona and California, Hurricane Ian in Florida, and wildfires and floods in New Mexico.

Randy brings his extensive expertise from his 33-year Tucson Fire Department career, including serving as chief and a public information officer; and seven years as the Mount Lemmon Fire District chief. He deployed twice to Israel to assist during the terrorism arson fires in 2017.

“I have spent my entire adult life responding to emergencies and tragedies. I am able to provide unique experience working emergency scenes. I truly believe that I have an understanding of what people experience dealing with tragedy and sorrow,” he said.

Randy serves the Red Cross in many ways, including Southern Arizona Chapter board member, Communications Media Relations volunteer, and is a member of the Disaster Health Services Team, Biomedical Committee and Philanthropy Committee.

He is making a video for fire departments that will be shown as part of their new cadet training that talks about the relationship with the Red Cross. He visited fire departments to explain the importance of reporting home fires to the Red Cross quickly so that Red Cross volunteers can help the fire victims. 

He also has been the lead for the creation of a Red Cross history room at the Tucson Auto museum, Rolling Through Time.

“The American Red Cross provides services to people in need. I am continuously amazed what a compassionate organization it really is. I have met many volunteers that participate in giving back to our communities in marked need and they do it because they care,” he said.

During disaster responses, the Red Cross offers many services. Caseworkers help provide temporary shelter and food. Counselors, both mental health and spiritual, assist victims in coping with their grief of losing their homes and their belongings. Nurses arrange for replacing medical equipment, eyeglasses, medication, oxygen tanks and other medical items that clients lost due to the disaster.

The American Red Cross is encouraging others to get involved and assist with disaster relief efforts across the country. For more information, visit the American Red Cross website.