by Carol Harper, American Red Cross, Public Affairs
Ray Klein of Buffalo, Wyoming, has a heart for helping those who have been impacted by wildfire devastation. Well-qualified and equipped with a background in Search & Rescue and as Law Enforcement Ranger in Yosemite National Park, Ray started out in American Red Cross’ Life, Safety and Asset Protection (LSAP) during the October 2017 Northern California wildfires in Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties.
“I used to live and work in Sonoma County. Met my wife there, my son was born there…I still have friends there,” he said. “When I found out the wildfires were devastating the community, I wanted to give back.”
Ray recently related a story of rendering aid to an Amish family who had just moved into a community just south of Buffalo, WY and had become victims of a range wildfire. “The trailer they lived in, as well as the shed with all of their food supplies, were completely destroyed,” he said. “All the family of five had left were the clothes on their backs.”
At first, the family declined help from the Red Cross. “I surveyed their situation and explained that we were there to help,” he said. “The Amish people are fiercely independent and decline any government help, as their culture believes in self-sufficiency.”
Ray explained to the family that the Red Cross is not a government-run program—that they have volunteers and receive contributions from neighbors and the community “just like yourselves,” he said. “They told me that they would discuss it with their Elders and get back to me.”
Two days later, Ray received a call back that they would accept Red Cross assistance.
Ray is the local LEPC Red Cross Representative for Johnson and Sheridan counties. He is an avid skier and mountain climber and also collects vintage Hudson Cars.
More about Ray:
- Former Yosemite, Law Enforcement, Naturalist Ranger, EMT
- Buffalo/ Johnson County Chamber Of Commerce Board of Directors
- Election Judge, Johnson County Wyoming
- Board of Directors, Fort Phil Kearney/Bozeman Trail Association
- Volunteer Channel Islands Restoration
- Elected Precinct Captain, Buffalo Wyoming
- Western Region Director Hudson Essex, Terraplane Club International
- Assistant Scoutmaster, Carson City Nevada 2010-2019
- Member, Cloud Peak Toastmasters.