Remembering the Worcester Firefighters
Compaq Helps Massachusetts State Police


Remembering the Worcester Firefighters

On the night of December 3, 1999, a tragedy pierced the heart of the nation, as six firefighters perished inside a blazing, abandoned warehouse in Worcester, Massachusetts.

In his statement of condolence, President Clinton said, "Their courageous service reminds us all of the tremendous commitment and sacrifice made by the thousands of firefighters across America who risk their own lives every day to protect our communities."

The sad news hit Compaq's New England employees hard. "Worcester sits in close proximity to major Compaq sites, and it serves as a hub for a variety of services that benefit many of our employees who live in the area," explained Compaq Community Relations Program Manager Lew Karabatsos. Many Compaq employees also serve as volunteer firefighters in surrounding towns.

To honor the memory of the courageous firefighters who lost their lives, Compaq was proud to make a $5,000 contribution to the Salvation Army's Firefighters Fund. In acknowledging the donation, Skot G. Pare (Salvation Army resource development manager, Central Massachusetts) wrote: "Compaq is truly a wonderful part of the community, and the $5,000 you have given will be used to help the families of the heroic firemen."

Compaq's contribution recognized the dedication and commitment of firefighters everywhere who put their lives on the line to protect and serve our communities. Through the Employee Matching Gift Program, the company also matched employee donations to qualified charitable organizations with established firefighter memorial funds.

The corporation's quick response struck a chord with employees. "This action makes me very proud to be an employee of Compaq," one person wrote. "I will be making my own personal contribution as well, which is the least I can do, but it is equally rewarding to see the values and caring of Compaq reflected in such a company action."

Compaq Helps Massachusetts State Police

The Massachusetts State Police are one of Compaq's community partners, supporting the company's sites throughout the Commonwealth with a variety of law-enforcement services. Compaq recently donated equipment to the MSP's Canine Unit, which helps with lost person and drug-related searches. The unit had no technology available to elicit on-site, fast access to records and information "at-the-scene." Compaq provided two Armada™ 1500C laptops and accessories valued at $3,200. One laptop will be used by the mobile command post to load software that provides up-to-date topographical maps; the second will be used in high-profile drug warrant cases, to allow on-the-spot background checks.