Jesse O’Brien gives a face to the American Red Cross.

 “I like being there to put a face on the American Red Cross, so individuals know who the Red Cross is. Being there face-to-face just shows the Red Cross is there to help them."

Early in his career as a paramedic, Jesse was a Red Cross CPR Instructor. His heart was set on helping others in need so in 2023 he volunteered for the Southeast Pennsylvania Region Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT). Jesse quickly became the Bucks County Disaster Action Team Coordinator. Committed to new DAT volunteers, he helps them prepare for single-family home or multi-family apartment fires. Jesse puts these volunteers under his wing so they can do the right job. “If I go out for a call, I usually recruit new members to get in and acclimated to what we do.”

Jesse plays a critical role in Red Cross disaster response leading DAT meetings and coordinating with other DAT leaders. He is always present, sharing his ideas, helping with documentation, assisting in schedule coordination and much more.

His dedication paid off. Jesse was recognized for his leadership, receiving the Bucks County Exceptional Disaster Volunteer Award for 2024!

“I find that a lot of the responses we go on, we are dealing with people who have losteverything, but just being there shows them that we listen.”

He recounts an experience with an elderly couple who lost everything when their home, a trailer house, was destroyed by a fire. When Jesse arrived at the scene, the couple explained they had insurance and family to help them. They said they really didn’t need Red Cross services. He gave them a big hug and told them, “We understand what you are going through. We’re going to try our best to help you get back on your feet.” All they were looking for was just someone who cares and listens.

Jesse finds many do not know who the Red Cross is. “It’s challenging because I feel as though we don’t get calls to help individuals because they are concerned about the cost. I try to advocate in the community that Red Cross assistance is here for one purpose, to serve and not to collect any money. We are doing this to help!”

Jesse was deployed last year to Houston, Texas, a city overcome by flooding. He jumped in and helped with sheltering, food distribution, and cleanup kits. “In a local response, families in single-family homes, or multiple families in apartments are affected. But in Houston, I learned to think quickly on my feet because hundreds of people were looking for help.”

“For me, I’m not doing it for the praise, that’s just how I am. I’m a person who cares.”

Jesse is married and has a five-year-old daughter. His family does everything together whether vacation or hobbies or just going out. They enjoy the Shore and the Poconos!

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- Written by Judith Weeks