Volunteer Spotlight: Tom Gates Brings Compassion to Carpentersville Residents Displaced by Fire
In the wake of a devastating apartment building fire that displaced 24 families in late November, the Kane County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is highlighting the extraordinary service of volunteer Tom Gates, whose compassion and dedication left a lasting impact on survivors and fellow responders alike.
Gates recently volunteered at the Carpentersville Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) alongside OEM staff members Dan Nelson and Nicole Sprague. The MARC was established to support residents displaced by the fire, which resulted in the apparent total loss of the building.
During the response, Gates served as an ambassador to survivors, partnering one-on-one with individuals and guiding them through the recovery process. In one notable instance, a survivor navigating an extremely difficult situation was paired with Gates, who provided encouragement, understanding and steady guidance as she accessed available services.
“Throughout the process, Tom made every effort to recognize, understand, and sympathize with the client as he walked her through each step,” said one responder who observed his work. “By the end, she referred to Tom as family.”
OEM personnel deployed to the MARC also noted Gates’ patient, positive demeanor, describing it as a consistent reflection of his character.
“Tom represents the best of the Office of Emergency Management’s volunteers—people who generously give their time, care deeply about others, and show up every day to serve the community in meaningful ways,” said Scott Buziecki, Director of the Kane County Office of Emergency Management.
A retired grandfather, Gates regularly volunteers his time with OEM, including within the Communications Division when he is not spending time with his grandchildren. His kindness and steady presence have made him a valued and trusted member of the Kane County OEM team.
Understanding the Role of a MARC
A Multi-Agency Resource Center serves as a centralized, “one-stop” location where individuals impacted by a disaster can access coordinated recovery services, assistance and information. MARCs bring together resources from multiple agencies and organizations, including state departments such as Aging, Human Services, and Insurance, as well as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, local health departments and other support services.
Learn more about the work of the Kane County Office of Emergency Management at http://www.kcoem.org/
