Last Updated on October 2, 2017 by cassnetwork
She held an important post in Logansport longer than anyone else, helped local residents learn everything from how to swim to CPR and sign language and did it all after moving back to the city.
Louise Sigafoose, this week’s Logansport Citizen of the Week, was Red Cross chapter director for 26 years, surpassing the previous record for that distinction by eight years.
“It was something I really enjoyed because you came away feeling you’d done something good for people who needed it,” she said after learning of the honor Monday.
While the local chapter of the American Red Cross sponsored countless blood drives, Louise also manned emergency response services for many fires, including the Carlton Apartments fire in downtown Logansport. She also responded to emergencies in Kokomo and Lafayette.
Sigafoose, who has lived for many years on the south side, graduated from Logansport High School. She worked at Harper College in Palatine, Ill., and for the Army Corps of Engineers in Columbus, Ohio, before returning to the city. She later served on the Cass County Emergency Management Agency Council for many years and was a member of the Woodlawn Center and Mental Health Association boards. At one point, she was a city council candidate.
Mayor Dave Kitchell says her contributions often came at the scene of a fire when a family was displaced or suddenly thrust into the consequences of losing their business.
“Louise was the face and hands of the Red Cross for many years and simply did whatever had to be done, responding when the weather forced most people to stay indoors,” Kitchell said. “She cared for complete strangers in very difficult circumstances. We were fortunate to have someone dedicated to that job who didn’t view it as a stepping stone to something else. She simply wanted to serve her community.”
Sigafoose will receive a $20 gift certificate to a local restaurant and a certificate of appreciation from the city.
SOURCE: News release from Logansport Mayor Dave Kitchell