WHEREAS, In 2005 Jennifer began to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a fire fighter and simultaneously began working with the American Red Cross (ARC), SEPA Chapter as an Emergency Services volunteer, responding to local and national disasters, training new volunteers, assisting clients and serving on the Emergency Services Leadership Committee; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from the Philadelphia Fire Academy in 2007 and building upon the experience she gained at ARC, Jennifer joined the Philadelphia County Animal Response Team (PCART). PCART is a division of The Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team and responds to large-scale disasters in Philadelphia County that affect animals; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, Jennifer was promoted to PCART Coordinator and was responsible for organizing volunteer trainings with the American Humane Association and Red Star Animal Emergency Services National Responders. In 2011, members of the team were deployed to Joplin, MO to assist in animal shelters after a devastating tornado. During Hurricane Irene, she oversaw PCART's deployment. PCART members were instrumental in operating three animal shelters throughout Philadelphia during Irene and again, during Hurricane Sandy; and
WHEREAS, Jennifer's educational, professional and volunteer experience culminated in the conception of an organization that responds to both animals and families in need after an emergency. In February 2011 she brought her proposal for Red Paw to the American Red Cross to work in conjunction with their responders when pets involved; and
WHEREAS, On July 25, 2011, Jennifer founded the Red Paw Emergency Relief Team. Red Paw's mission is to assist displaced pets and their people 24/7, free of charge and to ensure that ALL family members are taken care of during a disaster in their home; and
WHEREAS, Since its founding, Red Paw has responded to over 300 incidents and assisted hundreds of animals in six counties with emergency transport, veterinarian care and shelter along with temporary foster care and on-going medical care. All pets under Red Paw care are also spayed/neutered; and
WHEREAS, Jennifer is currently stationed at Engine 20 in Chinatown in the Fire Prevention Division. She is also a member of the Emergency Services Leadership Committee for the American Red Cross SEPA Chapter and recently elected onto the City of Philadelphia's Animal Advisory Committee; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, That Jennifer Leary and the Red Paw Emergency Relief Team is hereby recognized and honored for exemplary work in the community.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution shall be presented to Jennifer Leary on behalf of Red Paw Emergency Relief Team as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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