Q&A With Northern New England's new Regional Disaster Officer

Aaron McIntire
Northern New England 
Regional Disaster Officer

Q.   What drew you to the Red Cross?

The scope of services are very similar to the work of Emergency services and preparedness. The ability to have a real impact on our clients before (Preparedness) during (Response) and after a disaster (Recovery) was key to bringing me to the Red Cross. The ability to see the full continuum of services is extremely rewarding.  

Q.   You spent 23 years in the fire service. How will that background help you execute            your new role?

Having the ability to pick up the phone and know the local Fire Chiefs or Emergency Management Directors has helped with a smooth transition into the new role. Understanding fire prevention, preparedness and many years of emergency responses.

 Q.  What’s your vision for the future of Disaster Cycle Services?

A well rounded and integrated service that works seamlessly with our community partners to deliver immediate relief.

Q.   Having worked with the Red Cross for years as a firefighter, what surprised you             most after joining the Red Cross team?

 I have said it many times- I wish I had known the full scope of services that the Red Cross offers when I was a Fire Chief. The depth and level of services offered by the Red Cross is so critical to recovery for our clients.

Q.   You’ve seen a lot of tragedy in your career. What’s your best fire safety tip?

Smoke Detectors, Smoke Detectors, Smoke Detectors! They absolutely save lives. It’s heartbreaking to respond to fatal fires only to learn that there were either no detectors or non-working detectors in the home.