RED CROSS NORTHERN NEVADA CHAPTER NEWS RELEASE – Every now and then, an unselfish action on behalf of a neighbor, a co-worker or even a stranger can change another person’s destiny and, at the same time, our own. In that moment real people become real heroes.
The American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter honored local heroes at the 10th Annual American Red Cross Real Heroes Celebration recently. The breakfast title sponsor was Nevada State Bank, and KTVN Channel 2 News’ Wendy Damonte emcee’d the event. The attendees were treated with musical selections from special guests from the UNR School of Music, the Nevada Army National Guard State Honor Guard, and Haley Forsyth.
The accomplishments and sacrifices of deserving heroes were recognized with special certificates and awards from the Red Cross, Senator Harry Reid, Congressman Mark Amodei and Senator Dean Heller. The 2013 Red Cross Hero Award winners are: Adult Good Samaritan, Michael Bird; Youth Good Samaritan, Tiffany Day; Public Safety Hero, Jose Gonzalez; Animal Heroes, Squaw Dogs and the Alpine Patrol Dogs; Education Hero, Daryl Drake; Fire Fighter Hero, Chad Richards; Law Enforcement Hero, Washoe County Dispatch; Medical Heroes, REMSA Medical Crew – Matt Dixon, Steve Schroder and Sara Dixon; Military Hero, Lieutenant Colonel JoAnn Meacham; Community Impact Hero, NV Energy Response to Washoe Drive Fire; and, Community Service Heroes, Jon Yuspa and Robert Larkin.
This year the Red Cross and many other organizations also stepped up to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. The American Red Cross and partner organizations sprang into action to do what they could to help others in need. Here in Northern Nevada, the Red Cross and Governor Sandoval wanted to help recognize those who gave their time and resources to help those impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Honorees included: ServPro – Robert Massey, Wyatt Watson, Chad Koffler and Mike Grashuis; and, NV Energy – Paul Grunenwald, Russ Morrison, Ryan Parks, Rob Herrington, Chris Laux, Mark Newman, Jim Reagan and Ryan Peterson.
The following American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter volunteers were also honored: Paige Shaw, William Shaw, Dawnda Smith, Kevin Masters, Carol Parkhurst, Cyndy Hallam, Rebecca Tackett, Maureen Koski, Darlene Pearson, Gayl Thomas, Joyce Allen, Virginia Winings, Danel Lipparelli, Karli Epstein, Susan Kennedy, Karen Solberg, Judi Edwards, Dave Edwards, Jere Phipps, Dale Kiriaze, Kelly Phillips, Bailey Billington-Benson, Betsy Morse, Ginger Elsner, Walt Ducker, John Lusk, Nancy Barrett, Todd Byrns, Leon Taylor, Kelly Boyd, Sabrina Amon, Christine Chapman, and Russell Elsner.
The event was sponsored by the following companies and organizations: AT&T; Atlantis Casino and Spa; Bank of America; Bonanza Casino; Evans, Nelson & Company; GE Energy; KTVN, Channel 2 News; Nevada State Bank; Northern Nevada Business Weekly; Northern Nevada Medical Center; NV Energy; Professional Fire Fighters Nevada; REMSA; Renown; Reno Fire Department Administrators Association; Reno Gazette Journal; Round Mountain Gold Corp.; Southwest Gas; THS Visuals; US Bank; and Wells Fargo. The Red Cross is grateful for the businesses who stepped up to help honor the local heroes who inspired many through their actions to make our community a safer and better place to live.
For more information about future events or the Red Cross, please call 775-856-1000 or stop by your local American Red Cross office located at 1190 Corporate Blvd., in Reno.
