Board of Directors member Bill Murgas explains that his years of service with the American Red Cross “have always been a labor of love.”
 
Though busy at home and on the job throughout his life, Bill always found the time to volunteer with Red Cross. Active since the mid-1950s, Bill is clearly energized from the experience.  From the first time he was trained in first aid as a boy scout, Bill has viewed the Red Cross as a “tremendous opportunity to serve.” After taking a look at his extensive Red Cross career, it’s easy to see he truly means it.

Bill began volunteering with the Red Cross through the First Aid Corps (now the First Aid Service Team) and soon found himself on the Health and Safety Committee and then as Chair. Later, he became an Instructor Trainer for CPR and First Aid. Bill branched into disaster work and served as Vice Chair. He also helped form and served on the State Red Cross Service Council and the Legislative Committee. After years of service, Bill was elected to the American Red Cross Board of Directors and joined its Finance Committee.  In 1992, Bill was honored as a lifetime honorary board member of the Red Cross. “It’s been a complete joy – the Red Cross has provided me many opportunities.”
 
While volunteering with the Red Cross, Bill worked in the New Berlin Fire Department. For 20 years he was employed as a firefighter, earning his way to Captain of his fire station in 1997. 
One of his other major achievements was at Velvac, Inc., a leading manufacturer of truck and specialty vehicle parts, where Bill worked and retired as Chief Executive Officer of the company.  He continues to serve today as President of the Brookfield Police and Fire Commission and with various non-profit organizations.  Bill muses, “I like to keep myself very busy.”

Perhaps the reason Bill devotes so much of his time towards helping others is his fundamental belief that it is “incumbent for everyone to serve,” or maybe he follows where his compassion and motivation take him.  Whatever the reason, inspirational volunteers like Bill Murgas are what make the Red Cross the great organization it is.