American Red Cross volunteer Larrye Loss is the Delaware County pet liaison and Disaster Cycle Services (DCS) Disaster Action Team (DAT) responder. In December, Larrye was recognized as the “Exceptional DCS Volunteer for Delaware County” for 2023 at the Celebration of Volunteers.
A Chance Encounter in Alaska
Larrye's Red Cross story actually begins when he was on vacation with his wife two years ago on an Alaskan cruise. He and his wife met another couple while socializing onboard. They just happened to be avid Red Crossers from Los Angeles. Their stories of service to their community inspired Larrye, and he started his volunteer role in November 2022. He joined as a DAT member responding to home fires and other local disasters. He also serves as a service associate in Mass Care, Sheltering and Feeding, when needed.
His newest role is that of pet liaison for Delco, assisting disaster-impacted pet owners with housing, feeding and care for their pets after a disaster. His pet liaison role also works within Delaware County to establish community partnerships and collaborations to create a safety net for disaster-injured pets after a fire, flooding or other emergency.
Professional Background
As many others who have come to the Red Cross, Larrye is currently retired. After decades of working at AstraZeneca in Research and Development as a program manager, he brings outstanding organizational skills and the ability to work effectively with people in a team-oriented setting.
Larrye’s favorite part of his Red Cross roles is interacting with clients and providing them with services – food, shelter, financial assistance and more – when they are in need. He finds their gratitude to be so touching. A woman thanked him for “saving her life” by giving her Red Cross financial assistance to help her replace essential personal items lost in a home fire.
Family Life and Personal Interests
Larrye and his wife have three adult children and four grandchildren. They care for one granddaughter while her parents are working. Larrye enjoys planning fun activities for her and partaking in these activities too.
Additionally, he is the financial vice-president for a non-profit in his “spare” time. Of course, as a pet Llaison, I had to ask him about animals at home…Larrye has a new puppy!
The Red Cross Philosophy and Support for New Volunteers
When asked about his philosophy of volunteering, Larrye said he subscribes to the Red Cross 5 C's: being compassionate, creative, collaborative, credible and committed while supporting the Red Cross humanitarian mission. Ever one to go above and beyond, Larrye encourages new disaster volunteers and supports them in their work engagement.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
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PHOTO: Larrye Loss (third from left) receives the Exceptional Disaster Volunteer Award for Delaware County during the Celebration of Volunteers on Dec. 6, 2023. He is pictured with Red Cross Regional CEO Jennifer Graham (second from left); Delaware Valley Board of Directors Chair John Susanin (far left) and Philadelphia Board of Directors Chair Larry Pockers (far right). Photo by Bill Thawley/American Red Cross
- Written by Maureen Zug
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