TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, during a meeting of Florida’s Cabinet, Governor Rick Scott awarded two individuals with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award for their support with Hurricane Hermine response and recovery efforts. The Champion of Service Award is Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition for individuals and organizations.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to recognize these individuals for their service helping families throughout the Big Bend following Hurricane Hermine. Margo and Jamie are two examples of the many great individuals who helped provide and coordinate important resources and assistance after the storm. Volunteers were at the heart of our response efforts, and we are grateful for the many hours they served to help our communities recover and get back to work and school quickly.”
Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman said, “As Florida’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during, and after disasters, Volunteer Florida sees firsthand the impact of volunteers following events like Hurricane Hermine. From working at the Leon County Emergency Operations Center to coordinating the deployment of over 50 Citizen Emergency Response Team volunteers across impacted areas, Margo and Chief Cunningham were instrumental in our response efforts.”
Champion of Service: Margo Armistead – Following Hurricane Hermine, Margo was deployed through the Salvation Army to the Leon County Emergency Operations Center where she coordinated volunteers in the field. Margo ensured that volunteers worked at water distribution centers, food banks, and comfort stations. As a volunteer coordinator, she identified the needs of those who were impacted by the hurricane and connected them with resources. Margo served over 60 hours following Hurricane Hermine.
Champion of Service: Jamie Cunningham, Fire Chief of the North Collier Fire and Rescue District – Following Hurricane Hermine, Jamie coordinated the deployment of over 50 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members from six counties. These CERT teams assisted residents of four counties with damage assessment, provided meal and water distribution, and delivered flood buckets. Jamie served over 30 volunteer hours following Hurricane Hermine.