For over a decade, Clarence Harper has volunteered his time and found fulfillment in becoming an integral part of the Portland community.

Clarence Harper has proudly volunteered his time for close to 14 years as a Neighborhood Emergency Response (NET) team member, serving, acting, and educating the community about disaster preparedness.  He is an expert in fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training he first learned in the classroom and during hands-on exercises, he is certified to assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

Clarence supports local emergency response agencies by taking an active role in emergency preparedness projects within his community.

In 2007 during the Vernonia Floods, Clarence Harper added to his volunteer repertoire by becoming an American Red Cross volunteer. Quite often, you can find Harper at the Oregon Trail Chapter’s call desk answering questions and providing resources to concerned neighbors, Portland Fire & Rescue chiefs, and other volunteers involved in disaster-related incidents.

Harper is a native Oregonian and dedicated to readying his community through emergency preparedness. He is a member of the Red Cross’ Disaster Assistance Team (DAT) where he assists the victims of fires or other real-time disasters that have no insurance and have lost all or most of their personal belongings.

Throughout the years, Harper has been honored with awards, accolades, and recognition for his volunteer efforts.  According to Harper, this includes being knighted as an Honorary Royal Rosarian, serving as a NET emergency services first aid responder along the Grand Floral Parade route, a Star Award Recipient for his volunteerism with the NET Program, a NET Lifetime Achievement Award and Presidential Call To Service Medal for 13 years of service to the NET team, the Spirit Of Portland Award for 13 years of service as a NET Emergency Preparedness Promoter, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award.

What’s Next for Clarence Harper?

In March 2010, Harper attended an eight hour training class taught by the American Red Cross that will certify him to present to the community informational classes on health and safety, disaster response, and community preparedness. Harper views volunteering as “his calling” and plans to continue giving of himself to the community.

Portland Fire & Rescue thanks Clarence Harper for his emergency preparedness efforts in educating and being a role model in the Portland community!

Learn More & Volunteer Your Time

NET TEAM

Are you interested in being trained by the Portland Office of Emergency Management and Portland Fire & Rescue to provide emergency disaster assistance within your own neighborhood?  Click here to visit the Portland Officer of Emergency Management's website at to learn more about becoming a Neighborhood Emergency Response (NET) Team member!

AMERICAN RED CROSS (OREGON CHAPTER) VOLUNTEER

There are many different opportunities and avenues available to volunteer at the American Red Cross.  Click here to see if they interest you!