RSVP volunteer receives governor's service award
Linda Kielas, an RSVP volunteer since 2006, was presented the Governor's Volunteer Service Award in the Northeast Illinois for the Senior category during a reception in April at the Executive Mansion, in Springfield.
Kielas volunteers with the Palatine Emergency Management Agency. HandsOn Suburban Chicago staff member Linda Trilling, the program manager of Disaster Services, as well as the Palatine Village Emergency Manager Tom Smith attended the reception. Trilling nominated Kielas because of her leadership and all the service she has dedicated to the Palatine Emergency Management Agency.
“Every day in Illinois, thousands of volunteers donate their time and talents to help others and to build stronger communities,” Governor Quinn said. “We honor these individuals who have made a difference in our state and set an example for others to follow with their initiative, creativity and energy.”
Kielas, a retired registered nurse, has documented more than 3,200 hours as a Senior Corp/RSVP member and has committed her volunteer service to emergency preparedness. Her medical background leads her to be the past coordinator of Palatine Medical Reserve Corps, an active member of the Palatine Fire Rehab Team and a Citizen Emergency Response Trainer. Kielas is also a CPR/AED trainer and has certified more than 145 residents with this life saving skill.
“Linda certainly is most deserving recipient of this award,” Tom Smith said. “She epitomizes what volunteerism is all about. Palatine Village, PEMA and all her fellow volunteers could not be more proud.”
If she is not busy enough in Palatine she has shared her gift of experience, Kielas volunteers with the Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team. She is ready to deploy at a moment's notice to provide medical assistance during a disaster. Kielas is a treasured RSVP volunteer who leads with experience.
If you would information on RSVP or Emergency Preparedness volunteering, contact Linda Trilling at HandsOn Suburban Chicago, (847) 228-1320.
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