"In my

25 years of public safety and the fire service, one of the most valuable

resources that we have is the Red Cross," he emphasized.

"The services

they provide are an imperative part of our response and delivery system,"

he added. "It is hard to imagine helping our citizens and our community

recover from house fires and other disasters without their timely assistance."

The South Metro

American Red Cross Service Center in Morrow is launching their first "Heroes

Campaign" designed to raise needed funds to ensure the continuation

of the programs and services it has been providing the community for several

years. Chief Krakeel wanted to go on record in support of the Red Cross

and urge his fellow Fayette County residents to help the organization

that is always there for them in times of extreme need.

Ruben Brown,

director of the Morrow center that provides Red Cross programs and services

to Fayette, Clayton, Henry, South Fulton and Butts Counti es,

said the Heroes Campaign is a unique fundraising concept used successfully

who makes a $1,000 donation, or pledges to raise that amount will be considered

a Red Cross Hero," explained Brown. Donors can contribute at any

level.

The campaign

officially begins with a kickoff celebration at the Wyndham Peachtree

City Conference Center Friday at 8:30 a.m. and will continue through June

27. Donors can contribute at any level to the campaign.

According to

Joan Smith, a Red Cross volunteer and campaign chairperson, this effort

comes at the right time. "Although disaster needs continue to rise

with the rapid southside growth, donations have been decreasing for several

months. The recently announced reduction in United Way funding hurts as

well," she said.

"Many

people think the Red Cross is part of the government and we receive government

funding. That's not true. Red Cross relies on the generosity of the public

to allow us to do what we do every day in this community," Smith

added.

Since last

July, the south metro center has provided more than $117,000 in disaster

assistance to 543 people. According to Smith, Red Cross volunteers are

often on the scene of home and apartment fires literally before the smoke

clears providing immediate food, clothing, shelter and much more. "All

the assistance Red Cross provides is free," stressed Smith.

Brown explained

the center also provides youth programs, health and safety training such

as CPR, first aid and babysitting and also provides HIV-AIDS instructor

training. "People don't realize the many programs and services we

offer that help make our community a better, healthier, safer place to

live," said Brown.

Smith added

that last year the South Metro office was almost closed because of funding

problems. "We feel a successful Heroes Campaign will ensure that

the doors stay open and Red Cross will remain both as a neighbor and a

vital provider of emergency services to all our citizens on the southside."

Anyone needing

more information or wishing to become a Red Cross Hero should contact

Brown at 770-961-2552. He stressed, "We are here for our citizens

and because of them."