Sumner County Man Recognized for Service as a Disaster Volunteer by Red Cross

Need for more volunteers in Sumner County is critical

Disaster Volunteer Stephen Durham recognized by
Joel Sullivan, Regional Executive for the American
 Red Cross, for his work over the past year. 

July 2021 

Sumner County resident, Stephen Durham, has been recognized by the American Red Cross Nashville Area Chapter for his dedication in serving his community as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) member. In June, Durham received the “Disaster Services Chapter Award” during the organization’s annual meeting.  

Durham has recorded more than 2,000 hours as a volunteer in his community this year. “His hours tell the story of a man committed to serving others,” said Katie Smith, the Nashville chapter’s disaster program specialist. “Stephen continually took time to show me all the ropes as I was onboarding this year. He would go through multiple systems of how to enter data and respond to our clients. He helped ne coordinate outreach to specific fire departments to help build relationships in different areas.”  

“No matter what is going on, Stephen is quick to answer any call,” she added. “He wants to make sure that everything is handled accurately and precisely. As a shelter lead, he makes sure everyone is protected and well fed. As a DAT supervisor, he helps families prepare for disaster and install smoke alarms. He definitely prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies. He is a walking example of the Red Cross Mission.” 

Part of Durham’s work is helping others in Sumner County when they experience a disaster, such as home fires, which is the number one disaster team members respond to on any given day. Unfortunately, Durham is the only DAT member serving Sumner County.  

“It is such a rewarding experience to be able to help your neighbors when they need it the most,” Durham said. “I would encourage anyone with the desire to truly make a difference in their community to please sign up to respond. It is the right thing to do, and you will not regret this decision.”  

Durham began his journey as a volunteer with the Red Cross in 2018 and has spent the last three and a half years responding to disasters in Tennessee and across the country. He has been deployed to respond to disasters in Florida, California, Missouri and Louisiana.  

“We want to thank Stephen for his contributions and service and for making such a difference in the lives of so many in Sumner County and nationwide on behalf of the American Red Cross,” said Joel Sullivan, regional executive director for the Tennessee Region. 

If you are interested in volunteering with the American Red Cross, please go to RedCross.org/Volunteer.