May 23, 2022

It’s not every day we get the chance to make a difference in the lives of others – let alone save the lives of others. Anne Lazzerini, analyst II, FEU Reporting & Utility Billing, recently had the chance to do both.

While washing dishes one Sunday afternoon, Anne looked out the window to see flames coming from the back of her 102-year-old neighbor’s house.

“I called 9-1-1 and immediately ran out screaming that the house is on fire. I then started banging on the door and windows telling my neighbor and her son to get out,” said Anne. “Fortunately, another neighbor heard me, and he and his son tried putting out the fire with extinguishers. I also got my fire extinguisher to help, only to find that it was empty.”

Thanks to Anne’s quick response, the occupants got out of the home in time and the fire department was able to extinguish the blaze.

“I was so relieved that they made it out safely,” she said. “I also learned the importance of checking your home fire extinguisher. Mine wasn’t set to expire until 2028, but something went wrong.”

The incident prompted Anne to buy and test new fire extinguishers for herself and her parents.

Anne felt it was important to share her story about the recent fire – especially with FirstEnergy participating in the American Red Cross Sound the Alarm event through May 31. Employees can support this safety effort by taking the Pledge to Prepare by accessing FirstEnergy’s page through the ARC website*.

“Everyone should take precautions so they – and their families – are prepared if there is ever a fire. I encourage employees to take the Pledge to Prepare. You can never be too safe,” Anne said.

Anne is a member of several FirstEnergy Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs) and the FirstEnergy Young Professionals. She also serves on alumni and advisory boards at The University of Akron and is a member of the Keep Akron Beautiful Board which supports beautification, litter reduction and community involvement.

“I really enjoy giving of my time – whether it’s working with the EBRGs or supporting our community,” she said.

Anne also volunteers at the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank and the Haven of Rest. In the photo, Anne (c.) is with a group of employees after one of the foodbank’s volunteer events.