Jim White of Clinton pays attention to the weather around the country.
White monitors upcoming potential disasters such as hurricanes, flooding and wild fires. He keeps a packed bag in his car so he can zip to the airport and get where he needs to be.
“I get a call and that’s my notice,’’ White said. “I’m on my way.’’
For the past 16 years, since retiring from the New York Power Authority, White has volunteered with the American Red Cross on their Disaster Response team. His volunteer efforts during a number of disasters led to his being named the 2020 winner of the Clara Barton Award, the highest honor given to a volunteer for their service in many leadership positions.
White was nominated for the award by Tom O’Hara of Clinton, who also volunteers with the Red Cross. O’Hara said he was impressed by all that White has done to help others in the local community and around the country.
White grew up in Utica; he and his wife, Kathy, moved to Clinton in 1980. Until he retired from NYPA 16 years ago, he said he had to be on call for work and couldn’t volunteer elsewhere.
Shortly after retiring, White scouted for volunteer opportunities. An appeal from the Red Cross on the radio…
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