"I just wanted…to personally thank…the Whelan team (Washington, DC) for their professionalism and dedication…caring demeanor and willingness to help…"

Mike,

I just wanted to take a moment to personally thank Bruce DarConte and the rest of the Whelan team listed below for their professionalism and dedication displayed this past weekend as Hurricane Irene rumbled through the Northeast.

In an effort to support the disaster relief efforts of the many Red Cross chapters deployed throughout the region, the National Headquarters called in numerous employees and volunteers from around the country to assist in the staffing of the Disaster Operations Center. As one can imagine, with this influx of personnel and Whelan's limited staffing on weekends, the potential for a myriad of problems ranging from access control to alarm activation existed. Because of their caring demeanor and willingness to help, no significant events throughout the weekend were reported. Not to be lost in all of this was the selfless act of each officer reporting for duty on a day when human nature dictates that you stay at home and take care of family first.

In addition, Bruce and his team should be commended for their personal assistance to Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross, during her early morning arrival and extended visit to the Disaster Operations Center.

Whelan Team:

Project Manager Bruce DarConte
Lieutenant Karen Heath
Sergeant Elmer Goldsmith
Officer Kareem Braimo
Officer Carlos Guevara
Officer Eden Kidane
Officer Michael Muchiri
Officer Elizabeth Opoku
Officer Rehab Saddig
Officer Valerie Tesoh
Officer Phedra Vandra
Officer Sisay Wolldee
Officer Solomon Workneh

Regards,

Michael Fessler
Director of Security