HAMILTON — A New York firefighter who worked at ground zero will be the keynote speaker at the Hamilton Area Red Cross annual fund-raiser lunch Wednesday.

        Vincent DiForte Jr. is being flown here at the expense of several local firefighter unions, said Doug Rinnert, chapter chairman for the Hamilton Area Red Cross.

        Organizers are expecting more than 200 people to attend the noon event at Cincinnati Marriott North at Union Centre.

        Mr. DiForte, 46, is expected to show a short video on the World Trade Center ruins and talk about his experience working there.

        The 18-year firefighter is stationed at an engine company in Staten Island and lost several fellow firefighters in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. “He doesn't feel like he is any kind of a hero,” Mr. Rinnert said of Mr. DiForte. “He considers it just part of his job. But I think people will be interested in hearing and seeing his message first hand.”

        Cincinnati Red Cross workers who assisted at ground zero also are expected to speak: Gary Miller, a disaster director who was the administrator of Red Cross Operations at ground zero; Anne Carson, a volunteer nurse, and Dick Johnson, a retired executive director of the Hamilton Area Red Cross. Officials with the Hamilton Area Red Cross hope to raise $40,000 at this year's luncheon. About 40 percent of the Red Cross' funding comes from the United Way and the other 60 percent comes from donations.

        In 2001, the Hamilton Area Red Cross chapter provided food, clothing and shelter to 228 adults and 131 children who were victims of fires and floods, Mr. Rinnert said.

        The lunch is free; donations will be accepted. Reservations are required. To attend, call the Hamilton Area Red Cross, 868-7616.

       
       E-mail jedwards@enquirer. com

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