American Red Cross volunteers’ selfless efforts leave an indelible mark on those who are impacted when disaster strikes. Steve Kaye is one such volunteer, serving as the Disaster Spiritual Care (DCS) Regional Advisor for the Colorado/Wyoming Region of the Red Cross. He has shared his gifts and talents with the Red Cross for over 20 years.
Early in his volunteer career, Steve helped establish the National Red Cross Spiritual Care Aviation Incident Response Team (SAIR). This group of national faith-based leaders responded to aviation and other transportation mass casualty events. Over time SAIR has evolved into the Disaster Spiritual Care program and has been fully integrated with Disaster Mental Health.
During local disasters, in support of the Mile High Chapter of the Red Cross, Steve recruits and screens new DSC volunteers. He is a Red Cross instructor and also serves on the National DSC Red Cross Leadership team.
In addition to responding to countless local incidents, Steve has deployed to many disasters, including Columbine, the Aurora Theater, Pittsburgh and Las Vegas. One of Steve’s most memorable experiences with the Red Cross is from his Las Vegas deployment. “Every night, I was present at the vigils located next to the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. Coming together with the local community was so powerful. The radiance from the vigil candles was beautiful; the soft light contrasting with the bright neon lights from the Vegas Strip.”
When Steve is not volunteering with the Red Cross, he serves as a Senior Police Chaplain for the Denver Police Department and the Secret Service, overseeing and managing active shootings and mass casualty incidents. Steve’s passion is riding his Ultra Classic 2008-Blue Harley and he rides almost 12 months a year! He says, “As they say, you never see a motorcycle outside a therapist’s office unless it belongs to the therapist! The time on my Harley is both my spiritual and mental health therapy!”
So grateful for the tremendous work and partnership of Steve Kaye, we are proud to have his leadership in the American Red Cross Disaster Spiritual Care Leadership team! Excellent article!
Steve–You are a wonder. You go quietly along with your appointed rounds never bragging about your service to others but always there for people who need you. I have always admired your strength, your compassion, and your wisdom. I am proud to be your friend.