Emergency medical services company honored for effective initiatives to build a safer, healthier Mesa
Rural Metro Corp. does much more in Mesa than send ambulances and trained emergency medical technicians to help people who are seriously sick or injured. The company and its employees are deeply involved in numerous programs that help ensure the health and safety of Mesa's citizens. Those efforts were recognized on Sept. 19 during Mesa United Way's Campaign Kickoff Luncheon as outgoing board Chair Michael Cowan and Mesa Mayor Scott Smith awarded Rural Metro the Spirit of Mesa Award.
Rural Metro "has made Mesa a stronger, healthier place to live for many years," said Mayor Smith."They exemplify what it means to collaborate and to be outstanding corporate citizens. They understand that by working together, the sum of our parts can be greater than the whole."
Mesa United Way's Spirit of Mesa award goes to an individual or company that exemplifies a spirit of selflessness and community betterment.
Cowan said Rural Metro's involvement runs deep. "They have supported programs to remind high school kids to stay safe and sober; sponsored water safety and drowning prevention programs; supported education and increased student achievement; and have donated and placed automatic external defibrillators in high traffic areas throughout the Valley."
"In Mesa," said Smith, "they have been the title sponsor for the Arizona Celebration of Freedom that the city puts on at the beginning of July. They helped us keep the Cubs in Mesa. Their employees are key volunteers with Mesa Public Schools, Mesa Leadership, Mesa United Way, Mesa Sister Cities Association, and the Mesa Arts Center Foundation Board.
"They allow community groups to use their facilities, including hosting the Mesa United Way Board meetings. They run an incredibly successful workplace campaign and they do drives that support community organizations, such as the Christmas in July for Helen's Hope Chest."
Photo, from left: Mesa Mayor Scott Smith; Mark Lashley, Rural Metro Corp. Southwest Zone senior vice president for operations; Maureen Thompson, senior vice president of human resources; John Ford, director of customer relations and contracts; and Mike Cowan, outgoing Mesa United Way board chair.
Click HERE to view slideshow of Mesa United Way's Campaign kickoff Luncheon on Sept. 19 at the Hilton East Phoenix/Mesa.