When’s the last time you got to see an honest-to-goodness hero up close and personal? I did recently –eight of them, in fact – plus a bonus humanitarian.
The American Red Cross of North Central Ohio hosted an event featuring video interviews of these men and women recounting episodes that suddenly put them in lifesaving situations.
And then there they were, in person. Some of them trained responders, some of them just like you and me, bystanders who reacted to prevent what could have been tragedy: fire, heart attack, blood shortage, attempted suicide, gunshot and more.
What a privilege it was to applaud these folks and to realize that none of us knows when we might be in a similar situation.
The harrowing story of how three women helped several developmentally disabled adults to safetyin the aftermath of a road rage shooting:
While at the Findlay Art Walk, Mike Woodruff and Officer Nicholas Price stepped in to help when an attendee had a cardiac emergency:
Melissa Roszman shares how she helped an elderly resident escape a fire and went back to extinguish the flames:
Police officer Christofer Perry shares how he intervened to help a man suffering a mental health crisis:
Columbiana Township Fire Chief Ray Anthony hosts regular blood drives that have impacted his community for years and helped save many lives:
I was pleased to see my Red Cross chapter award its first-ever Clara Ayers Award, named for a Red Cross volunteer nurse from Seneca County who lost her life on the way to the battle fields of Europe during World War I.
Retired nurse Pam Oglesbee couldn’t sit home while the Putnam County Board of Health struggled to get folks vaccinated against COVID-19, so she volunteered to schedule and give vaccines at clinics across her rural county. She continues to help with flu shot clinics, teaches CPR and donates blood. A genuine humanitarian:
Heroes are all around us, without capes and crowns. The Red Cross wants to spotlight those folks, wherever they are in northern Ohio, because it’s our mission to alleviate human suffering by mobilizing the power of volunteers. If you’d like to nominate a hero, click here.
Honoring members of our community, our military, and first responders who stepped up when someone else needed them to.
By Ryan Lang, American Red Cross
Thursday, June 5, the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio celebrated the 2025 Northeast Ohio Hero Awards at the Cleveland Marriot Downtown. It was a wonderful morning spent honoring everyday heroes who stepped up to do extraordinary things and, in some cases, save lives.
This year’s event featured 15 heroes whose stories you can read below:
Christi Paul, Izzy Abdallah, Mike Parks
Izzat “Izzy” Abdallah (Cuyahoga County): Twinsburg Firefighter Izzy Abdallah saved the life of a motorist who had a medical emergency and crashed into his car. Off duty at the time, Abdallah discovered the driver in cardiac arrest and immediately started CPR, directing his neighbor to call 911. Thanks to his quick actions, the patient regained a pulse and was taken to the hospital, later released in stable condition. Watch Izzy’s story here.
Dorian Pace and wife
Dorian Pace (Cuyahoga County): School bus driver Dorian Pace saved students from a burning bus in Cleveland Heights. After hearing loud booms and seeing smoke and flames, Pace swiftly evacuated the students, ensuring their safety moments before the bus was engulfed in flames. His quick thinking and selfless actions earned him recognition from the city and Governor Mike DeWine. Watch Dorian’s story here.
Christi Paul, Ralph Gamber, Megan Dwyer, Meredith Homerick, Mike Parks
Meredith Homerick, Meggan Dwyer, Janel Micsky, Ralph Gamber, Shaun Laubis, Jessica Pressley (Lake County): These everyday heroes saved a man from a burning car on Interstate 90. Witnessing the accident, they quickly dragged the driver away from the fire, provided medical assistance, and ensured his safety until emergency services arrived. Their selfless actions prevented a potentially tragic outcome. Watch this heroic story here.
Christi Paul, Matthew Certain, Mike Parks
Matthew Certain (Lake County): Uber driver Matthew Certain rescued an elderly woman from a house fire in Mentor. Noticing flames coming from a garage, he parked his car and alerted the resident, ensuring her safe escape. His timely intervention likely prevented a tragic outcome, and he stayed with the woman until emergency services arrived. Watch Matthew’s story here.
BM2 Luke A. Finnel, MK3 Hector Salcedo Jr., BM3 T. Dylan W. Thompson, BM1 Adam R. Chinski
BM1 Adam R. Chinski, BM3 T. Dylan W. Thompson, BM2 Luke A. Finnel, MK3 Hector Salcedo Jr. (Lake Erie off Avon Point): Coast Guard members conducted a daring rescue in 8-foot seas on Lake Erie. They safely transported the master of a disabled sailing vessel caught in severe thunderstorms, ensuring his safety and planning to recover the vessel once weather conditions improved. Watch our Coast Guard story here.
Blood Hero Award Winners 2025
Harlan Diamond
Harlan Diamond, of blessed memory | 1934-2025 (Cuyahoga County): Harlan Diamond was a significant supporter of the Red Cross, hosting large annual blood drives at his venue, Landerhaven. His dedication to supporting the Red Cross included providing food and facilities for donors and staff, and his legacy continues to be honored posthumously.
Paul Wadowick
Paul Wadowick (Ashtabula County): Paul Wadowick, a long-time volunteer and blood donor ambassador, continues to champion blood donation while battling cancer. He has been instrumental in running successful blood drives through his Knights of Columbus role in Geneva, encouraging new donors with his story and dedication. Watch Paul’s story here.
Additionally, the Red Cross presented the 2025 Clara Barton Mission Award to Linda Uveges and the inaugural Lorainne Dodero Community Leader Award to Higley Construction. Read their stories below:
Christi Paul, Linda Uveges, Mike Parks
Linda Uveges, Chief Executive Officer of The City Mission has dedicated her life and career to serving Christ by loving and advocating for those who are hurting and underserved. She believes that every person is made in the image of God and is passionate about extending His love to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in Cleveland. More than just leadership, her work is a calling—to bring hope, restoration, and the truth of the gospel to those in need.
Her journey with The City Mission began in 2003 as a volunteer, simply seeking to serve as Christ calls His people to do. That step of obedience grew into a lifelong mission, and she officially joined the staff in 2005. Over the years, she has had the privilege of serving in multiple roles, including Security Staff Supervisor, Laura’s Home Program Manager, and Chief Operating Officer. In 2021, she became CEO, where she now leads with a commitment to honoring Christ in all aspects of the Mission’s work, stewarding resources well, and ensuring that every person who walks through the doors encounters His love and grace.
Linda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Nonprofit Administration and Master of Arts in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership from Cleveland State University, equipping her with the strategic and organizational expertise to lead with wisdom and purpose.
She is a graduate of Leadership Cleveland, and the recipient of various awards including the 2023 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Top Executive Award, 2023 Crain’s Smart 50 Awards Class Honoree, 2023 Smart 50 Impact Award, 2022 Smart Women Awards Honoree, and 2021 Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Nonprofit Executive of the Year.
ABOUT THE CITY MISSION
Serving Cleveland since 1910, The City Mission has provided vital resources to those who need it most. The City Mission actively meets the needs of those experiencing homelessness and goes even further by supplying resources, support programs, and mental health services to take a family in crisis to one with hope and a brighter future.
Crossroads Men’s Crisis Center and Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center go beyond a place to sleep and three meals a day. When a man, woman or child in crisis enters their doors, each receives an entire support system. With individualized, Christ-centered, compassionate care to heal from trauma, identify the root causes that led them to poverty, and access to supportive and educational resources, men and women who graduate from these programs achieve stable income and housing, thus breaking the cycle of poverty for their families.
By compassionately restoring individuals in crisis, The City Mission strives to be a catalyst for positive change in Cleveland resulting in the radical transformation of individuals and communities for generations to come.
Since its founding 100 years ago by Albert M. Higley, Sr., Higley Construction has built a legacy of excellence. Established in 1925, Higley Construction quickly gained recognition in the industry, completing significant science and research facilities for institutions like the Case School of Applied Science and Hiram College. By the 1930s, the company expanded beyond Ohio, undertaking projects from Buffalo to Indianapolis. During World War II, Higley Construction played a pivotal role in the war effort, constructing key defense projects, including the region’s largest wartime facility for Cleveland Pneumatic Aerol and the U.S. Coast Guard Cleveland Station. Today, Higley Construction operates from offices in Cleveland, OH; Akron, OH; Detroit, MI; Pittsburgh, PA; and Morristown, NJ.
Higley Construction’s legacy extends beyond construction through a deep-rooted commitment to philanthropy. Founder Albert M. Higley, Sr. was an active leader in Cleveland’s civic and business community, serving on various boards such as the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the American Red Cross. His son, Albert M. Higley, Jr., carried this tradition forward, leading the company from 1967 and alongside his wife Beverly, established the Higley Fund in 1994 to support local organizations. A third generation of Higley leadership, Bruce Higley, was instrumental in shaping the company’s modern era, all while upholding the long standing Higley family commitment to community engagement.
Today, the Higley family’s philanthropic legacy continues through Sharon Higley Watts, a member of the Red Cross Tiffany Circle, and the Higley Fund. The family foundation is a Chairman’s Council member, recognizing their significant contributions of over $1,000,000 in cumulative giving. Separately, Higley Construction remains committed to supporting community initiatives, including the Red Cross Cup and the Hero Awards, with leadership from Executive Vice President Dan Sehlhorst.
Several local community members who performed brave acts of heroism were recently honored at the annual Acts of Courage Awards, presented by the American Red Cross of Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley.
The annual dinner and award ceremony took place last Thursday at the NEW Center at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) in Rootstown. As a special feature of the awards, the Red Cross also presented the H. Peter Burg Community Leader Award to Rick Burke for his lifetime of community leadership and dedication to the Red Cross mission.
Read on to learn more about this year’s winners as well as their heroic acts. View more photos here and watch this special story on the event from Cleveland’s Fox 8 News.
Acts of Courage Award Winners:
Audrey Jokovich, Keenan Orr & Marissa Tyger While in Wooster, Ohio completing an assignment for their nursing class at Kent State University, students Audrey Jokovich, Keenan Orr and Marissa Tyger noticed a man lying in the middle of roadway. As they rushed to help, they realized he was unconscious, aggressively shaking and slamming his head against the ground. While another bystander called 911 the students protected his head and airway and placed him on his side. Finding the man’s cell phone, the students heard his father on the line and he provided much needed medical history and other health information about the individual. Emergency services arrived and transported the man to a local hospital.
Jenna Omar
Seventh graders Jenna Omar and Luciana Kolat, friends since they were four, were sitting at lunch when Luciana began choking on a piece of breaded shrimp. She tried to reach down and pull it out herself but only pushed it down further. Unable to breathe, she started gagging and put her hands to her throat to show she was in distress. Jenna realized the emergency, jumped up and patted her friend on the back. When that didn’t work, she ran behind Luciana and gave her a strong abdominal thrust. Everything came out and Luciana’s airway was cleared.
Deputy Brian Gorham and Don Sedlock
Portage Lakes resident Don Sedlock was driving to the boat dock near his home when he saw that a fire had broken out at his neighbor’s. Stopping at the scene, Don discovered someone trapped inside and rushed in to get him out. Deputy Brian Gorham arrived shortly after and found the side of the house engulfed in flames. He also ran inside where he discovered Don trying to help his neighbor. Brian and Don worked together to carry out the 92-year-old man who was unable to walk and had been trapped in his bedroom. Four other adults and the family dog were able to follow Don and Deputy Gorham to safety while firefighters extinguished the blaze.
Hannah Stein
While running with her dog Boltan on the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Towpath, Hannah Stein heard a cry coming from the river. She ran toward the cries and found a young woman waist deep in the river. The woman had lost her footing, fallen in and was trapped waist-deep in the water, unable to get out. Hannah immediately rushed to the riverbank to help, with Boltan right behind. Removing Boltan’s harness and leash, Hannah passed them to the girl to grab onto. After a couple of strong pulls from Hannah, the young woman was able to lift herself onto the riverbank. The Valley Fire Department was called to check on the young woman.
Tim Graichen
Tim Graichen and a co-worker were traveling home from a business trip in Tennessee when they witnessed a car lose control, flip and roll multiple times, finally landing in the median in front of them. Tim yelled for someone to call 911 as he jumped from the car to help. Tim saw the car engine was on fire and immediately began to work on pulling the driver from the vehicle. Finally freeing him, Tim saw the victim was unresponsive, and he was unable to find a pulse. Tim began performing CPR and worked alone for several minutes until a nurse stopped at the scene and offered to take over chest compressions. The paramedics arrived and transported the man to the hospital, where he arrived breathing and with a pulse.
Terra White
Terra White, a veteran firefighter, was in an ambulance working her first shift with a new partner. As they traveled through Akron, her partner, who was driving, suffered a medical emergency. The ambulance began to swerve, and Terra saw her partner slumped in his seat with his foot on the accelerator. Knowing she had to act quickly, Terra reached over a large computer between them and grabbed the steering wheel. She then maneuvered her way into the driver’s side, removed her partner’s foot from the gas and slammed on the brakes. The vehicle skidded and finally came to a stop in a vacant lot. Terra later discovered the ambulance stopped just a few feet shy of 50 ft. embankment, a drop that would have been fatal had the ambulance not stopped.
Congratulations to all the winners! Do you know someone who acted in an emergency to help save a life? Share their story with us for possible recognition at upcoming Acts of Courage and Hero awards events across the Northern Ohio Region. And make sure you’re prepared to help save a life like these heroes by signing up for a Red Cross training course near you.
Mike Parks, CEO of the Northern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross, Janet Coleman, and Pharmacist Matt Kirby – Photo credit: Christy Peters/American Red Cross
Anyone who has spent any time in Northeast Ohio, driving around listening to the radio could probably finish this sentence in a flash – “Discount Drug Mart saves you the runaround…” If it didn’t immediately pop into your head, it’s “you’ll find everything you need.” The jingle was probably talking about a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread. But, for one North Olmsted woman, being at Discount Drug Mart recently saved her more than the runaround – it saved her life.
Matt Kirby, a pharmacist at the North Olmsted Discount Drug Mart, was going through a normal day when a fellow employee ran to the pharmacy and alerted him that someone had collapsed near the deli. Matt sprang into action and found a woman lying on the floor. She was not breathing and had no pulse. Using lifesaving skills he learned in a Red Cross class, Matt began CPR. On his 22nd chest compression, the customer was revived. She was transported to a hospital and recovered.
In an interview with Cleveland.com, Matt said, “I think the more amazing part of the story was that a week later, they (the customer and her husband) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, and she was around for that. That was my reward – her being able to make it to that. Also, seeing her walk back into the store, that made it all worth it.”
Janet and Kevin Coleman with Pharmacist Matt Kirby and CEO of the Northern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross Mike Parks
Because of his heroic actions, Matt was awarded the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders, one of the highest honors given by the organization. The award honors someone who embodies the spirit of the Red Cross by using action to help alleviate human suffering in the face of an emergency.
Like Matt Kirby, you never know when you may be called upon to help save a life. Make sure you’re prepared by signing up for training classes with the Red Cross. The organization offers a variety of courses to help the community be prepared when an emergency arises.
Do you know a hero? The Red Cross wants to recognize ordinary people who perform extraordinary acts of courage. If you know a hero who has used their Red Cross skills to help save a life, please share their story with us!
Edited by Glenda Bogar/American Red Cross volunteer
On a cool night in early spring, a husband and wife heard screaming coming from outside of their front door. A desperate pounding echoed throughout their home. Opening the door, the man saw his neighbors, holding their week-old baby. The baby was not breathing and his lips had started to turn an unnatural shade of blackish-purple. While the wife dialed 911, the husband grabbed a nasal aspirator and began infant CPR.
In a few heartbeats, the baby’s tiny cry pierced the stillness.
On a different evening, in a different part of town, a man and his fiancé were sitting at a red light, when he noticed a car coming over the hill. It seemed like the driver was intent on rear-ending him, but at the last moment erratically pulled away. As the car drove past, he could see that the other driver was slumped over.
The vehicle blew out a telephone pole and rolled.
The driver side door was crushed, and through the window the man could see that the driver’s head was twisted. A smell like fluid leaking on the hot engine filled the evening. Carefully, he climbed in and pulled the bloody driver out of the smoking car, cradling his head until first responders appeared.
These are true stories of ordinary people who, when faced with extraordinary circumstances, became heroes.
Each year in Summit, Portage, and Medina Counties, and bi-annually in Greater Cleveland, the Red Cross honors individuals with similar stories to those you just read.
The nomination period is almost over for both events.
Do you know a hero?
For Summit, Portage, and Medina Counties visit redcross.org/neoheroes or click here to nominate them online. Nominees must reside or be employed in Medina, Summit, Portage County. The heroic event must have occurred in 2017, but may have taken place outside of Medina, Summit or Portage Counties. The deadline for nominations is December 31, 2017.
For Greater Cleveland visit redcross.org/cleheroes18. Nominees must reside or be employed in Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake or Geauga County. The heroic event must have occurred in 2016 or 2017. The deadline for nominations is January 2, 2018.
Click here to view the co-chairs of the 2018 Greater Cleveland Hero Awards, Elizabeth Allen and Lisa Roberts-Mamone, as they explain the nomination process.
To learn more about our events, including how to sponsor or purchase tickets, visit redcross.org/neoevents and click on the event.
We are so pleased to be able to honor those in our community who have acted courageously to save the life of another. Each of the stories we have presented at the annual Red Cross Acts of Courage in Summit, Portage, and Medina Counties over the past twenty years have inspired so many people to step up and do the same.
We continue to be amazed by these people.
This year the Red Cross presented the Acts of Courage award to ten individuals. Whether saving a woman from a home fire, pulling a man from the wreckage of a car accident or performing an abdominal thrust to save a classmate, each of these honorees are so deserving of the recognition.
Here are their stories:
Colin Bues was recognized for performing abdominal thrusts to save the life of a classmate.
The self-described class clown, 9-year-old Weston Bauer was throwing cheese puffs into the air and catching them in his mouth during a classmate’s birthday party. One of these got lodged in his throat. Weston couldn’t breathe. He motioned that he was choking, but the other children thought he joking. Colin Bues, also 9-years-old, knew something was wrong. He ran to Weston and performed a quick abdominal thrust, the kind he had seen on a safety poster in the lunchroom at school. The puff went flying out of Weston’s mouth.
After confirming that Weston was okay, Colin threw the bag of cheese puffs in the trash. He was very pleased that he had helped his friend, but didn’t want it to happen again.
Edward Kocsis Jr. was recognized for saving a man following a car crash.
As Edward (Ed) Kocsis, Jr. and his fiancé were sitting at a red light, he noticed a car coming over the hill. It seemed like the driver was intent on rear-ending Ed, but at the last moment erratically pulled away. As the car drove past, Ed could see that the other driver was slumped over. The vehicle blew out a telephone pole and rolled.
“You see someone in trouble, and it’s just natural,” said Ed of his next move. “When you see something like that you don’t think, you just act.”
The driver side door was crushed, and through the window he could see that the driver’s head was twisted. Ed smelled fluid leaking on the hot engine. Carefully, he climbed in and pulled the bloody man out of the smoking car. Ed sat with him, cradling his head until first responders appeared.
Officer Brandon Bridgewater was recognized for saving multiple families and carrying a child from an apartment fire.
Three days into his career as a full-time Windham Police Officer, Brandon Bridgewater was first on the scene of an apartment building in flames. Running through the residence, he pounded on doors to wake residents. At one apartment, a startled mother and small child turned back for another child who was upstairs. Officer Bridgewater ran into the smoke filled apartment and carried the second child out into the cold night.
As they watched the flames, Officer Bridgewater kept the numerous, displaced families warm by bringing coffee from a nearby convenience store and letting the young and elderly wait in his cruiser until the Red Cross was on the scene to assist them.
Carolyn Hanson, and Kristin Dowling were recognized for performing CPR on a neighbor who had collapsed.
It began as a very unusual day for Carolyn Hanson. She had woken up with a backache on the morning of Dec. 30, 2014. When her husband suggested that they take a walk to work out the kinks on the nearby City of Stow Hike and Bike trail, she decided to take him up on it. Walking on the trail was something they did regularly, though not usually at that time.
On their way they met up with David Dluzyn, a neighbor who had just finished his morning run. As they were talking, David stopped suddenly and fell backwards – smack – on to the pavement. The couple called 911, and Carolyn began CPR. Neighbors began to come out to see what was happening. Carolyn, not knowing anything about David except for his name and that he lived somewhere close by, instructed one to look in David’s shoe where he had previously mentioned that he kept identifying information. After locating the slip of paper, the neighbor ran home to get his daughter, Kristin Dowling, who was also trained in CPR.
Kristen, who had received Red Cross training as a lifeguard, and Carolyn began to trade off doing compressions until the paramedics arrived.
David is recovering and continues to run on the trail.
Kizzy Spaulding was recognized for rescuing a woman from her burning home.
“You notice things,” said Kizzy Spaulding, an Akron-area postal worker. “Clients start to become family.”
As Kizzy walked her East Akron mail route, an unusual smell permeated the neighborhood. She noticed that one of her clients was not out working in her yard as was her daily routine. Kizzy sensed that something wasn’t right. She doubled-back and opened the client’s mail slot. She glanced through the small area and noticed the smell was coming from the home. She could see the elderly client holding her head and laying on a couch inside.
Kizzy began to call to the woman. She seemed dazed and did not respond. Fearing for her client, Kizzy pushed open the door and carried the slight woman outside. She called 911 before she returned to the house and doused the smoking stove.
Once first responders were on the scene, Kizzy picked up her mail pouch and returned to her route.
Scott Nelson and Bob Moore were recognized saving a man who was drowning in the freezing waters of the Ohio and Erie Canal.
It was well below freezing on January 9, 2015. Bob Moore and Scott Nelson were waiting for a car repair to be completed, and decided to find some place close to eat. They found a small establishment right on the Ohio & Erie Canal.
Inside they chatted with the owner, Stephen Risner, and made friends with his dog, Sam.
Shortly after ordering their food, a woman came into the lounge shouting that there was a man thrashing in the frozen canal. Scott and Bob ran out to see what was going on and found Sam, wet and whimpering, wandering the shores of the canal and barking for his owner. Stephen had fallen in while trying to rescue Sam from the water.
Scott waded into the water, while Bob retrieved a long extension cord from the car. After tossing the cord, the two were finally able to pull Stephen from the icy water. First responders arrived on the scene and helped Stephen up the embankment and treated Scott, whose clothes were wet and cold.
Sam was put in a warm car.
Ashley Feldman wasrecognized for saving man who was had fallen outdoors during the polar vortex.
On one of the coldest mornings of 2015, Ashley Feldman was on her way to her job as a receptionist when she noticed something in the open field near the dog park at Liberty Park. The object struck her as odd, so she stopped to investigate.
It turned out to be an elderly man who had gone to the park to let his dog run. He had lost his footing in the deep snow and, having recently had replacement surgery in both knees, was unable to pull himself up.
Despite not being dressed for the frigid temperatures, Ashley ran to him. As she tried to provide him some warmth, he confided that he had been laying there for 45 minutes.
Kelli Chronister was recognized for performing CPR on a fellow bike rider during the Sweet Corn Challenge.
In the July Sweet Corn Challenge bike ride, Kelli Chronister was riding behind a man who fell off his bike in the middle of the road at mile 22 of the 25 mile ride. She recognized a full-arrest heart attack and immediately started CPR. She continued for several minutes and as other cyclists and the police got to the scene, they took turns administering the CPR. When the emergency crews arrived they administered the defibrillator. The 52-year-old victim later learned that he had a serious heart condition that required surgery. The emergency people said that without that immediate help given by Kelli and others he would have died. Kellie teaches respiratory therapy at UA.
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To commemorate twenty years of celebrating acts of heroism, we launched a CrowdRise campaign at the event to encourage community members to #GetAlarmed and be a hero in our community by supporting our smoke alarms initiative, Operation Save-A-Life. Through donations given at the event we raised $2,015 which will help us install smoke alarms in nearly 67 homes! If you wish to donate, visit bit.ly/GetAlarmedSPM. We would also encourage you to share the message with your friends and family. Together we can help save lives.
This year’s event raised nearly $140,000. Proceeds from last night will assist us in providing Red Cross services throughout Summit, Portage, and Medina Counties.
In addition to recognizing the heroism of area residents at the event, we presented the H. Peter Burg Award to Leonard Foster, a community member who has been selfless in service to the community by demonstrating a lifelong commitment to humanitarian causes, charitable organizations and the vitality and welfare of the local community.
Through the bleary haze of your sleep-filled eyes, you begin to realize what is going on.
Your first thoughts are of others who occupy your home – maybe your spouse, the children, a pet. You think about how to get them to safety. You trace the routes in your head.
But then an extraordinary thing happens. In the fog of fear and smoke, you hear a neighbor calling out to you.
“Are you all right? How can I help?”
In that single act of selflessness, a hero is born.
This March, during national Red Cross Month, the Red Cross of Northeast Ohio will honor the heroes – those ordinary members of our community who acted in extraordinary ways – in two communities.
The Summit, Portage, and Medina Counties Chapter will host the 20th Annual Acts of Courage on Thursday, March 3 at the Akron/Fairlawn Hilton. All through 2015, people were asked to submit their heroes. We will feature the stories of the honorees on this blog following the event. Tickets are available by going to the website: www.redcross.org/acts16
The Greater Cleveland Heroes event will take place on March 11. For information or to order tickets, please visit www.ClevelandHeroes.com, email laurie.klingensmith@redcross.org, or call 216-912-4091.
The Summit, Portage, and Medina Counties Chapter is pleased to announce the local heroes who were honored for their bravery and heroism at the annual Acts of Courage event on Thursday, March 5.
The 2015 Honorees included:
Donald Molesky, Christopher Silbaugh and John Underwood were recognized for saving the lives of a couple after a torrential downpour left them trapped in their flooded basement.
A tornado watch was in effect for Cuyahoga Falls. As the water line began to rise during the sudden and torrential downpour in May of 2014, the Hammonds family sought safety in the basement of their home. Once the threat of a tornado had cleared, the children returned to the main floor of the house, leaving their parents to clean-up a small amount of water that had seeped through one of the windows.
Suddenly, the basement wall caved in taking a natural gas line with it. Water rushed in, trapping Michaelann and Mike in the dark stillness of the basement. They rose on the crest of the water until their heads touched the ceiling. The floor joists offered the only air space, though it was tainted by the noxious fumes of the gas. They pounded on the wood, calling to the children to go and get help.
The Hammonds siblings – Emma, Matthew and Sonia – swam across the street to the home of their neighbor, Donald Molesky. Their screams alerted many of the neighbors, including Christopher Silbaugh, and strangers like John Underwood, whose truch had gotten stuck in the flooded road. John, Christopher and Donald ran to the house.
They pulled an ax from the Hammonds garage and used it, along with Donald’s power saw, to cut through the floorboards. They were able to free Michaelann. Working hard but carefully, they finally pulled Mike through the floor.
Peter Radke was recognized for saving a girl from drowning in Lake Erie.
Peter Radke had agreed to take his daughters and their friends to Lake Erie’s Huntington Beach for a birthday party. Though they knew the water was too choppy to swim, Peter noticed a girl in the water who was struggling to stay afloat. Peter was an excellent swimmer. In spite of the conditions, he dove into the water.
He reached the girl and was able to push her to a safe area where others could grab her.
As they did, Peter struggled to bring himself in. He was pulled further out into the temperamental, black waters of Lake Erie. Then he was pulled under, not to resurface. Peter lost his life to save that drowning girl.
David Eisele, Dave Wokaty and Officer Justin Winebrenner were recognized their actions when a gunman entered a crowded pub.
Dave Wokaty, David Eisle and Officer Justin Winebrenner were each enjoying a night out with friends at a local pub when Wokaty noticed the manager having an altercation with a customer.
15 minutes later, the customer returned brandishing a weapon. The manager asked Wokaty to see the customer out. Their voices rose in anger. Officer Justin Winebrenner, an off-duty Akron Police officer, and David Eisele joined Wokaty in seeing the customer out.
“From that moment, in my perspective, everything began to move slowly,” said Wokaty.
The gun went off. Though their fearless, and quick thinking saved many patrons and staff members, Wokaty was shot in the stomach and arm.
Officer Winebrenner received a fatal shot.
“I believe,” continued Wokaty,” if it weren’t for Justin, I wouldn’t be here now.”
The gunman ran off. He was caught shortly afterwards by the police.
Jason Duncan was recognized for performing CPR to save the life of a 7-day old infant.
On a cool night in early May, Jason Duncan and his wife Krista heard screaming coming from outside of their front door. Then they heard the sound of someone desperately pounding. Opening the door, Jason saw his neighbors, Bobbi Jo and Dustin holding their seven-day-old baby, Logan. The baby was not breathing and his lips had started to turn an unnatural shade of blackish-purple. While Krista dialed 911, Jason grabbed a nasal aspirator and began infant CPR.
In a few heartbeats, Logan’s tiny cry pierced the stillness. A sound that Jason and Dustin describe as one of the greatest sounds they ever heard.
Essien (Chris) Cobham and Samantha Phillips were recognized for performing CPR on a visiting student at Kent State University.
Kent State University student, Chris Cobham, was studying in a quiet area of the Student Union on campus, when he heard a thud. A high school student who had been visiting the campus was choking. Quickly assessing the situation, Chris stepped in and began abdominal thrusts on the boy. He slid him to the ground and began CPR once the student’s lips turned blue.
Samantha Phillips, who was cutting through the Student Union on her way to her next class, heard the panic in the conversations of those around her. She went to investigate.
“It’s instinct to go and help someone,” said Samantha, who is working on a degree in Athletic Training. Part of her curriculum is Red Cross certification in First Aid and CPR.
She could see that Chris was getting tired. Pulling out her CPR breathing mask, Samantha assisted breathing as Chris administered the chest compressions until help arrived. The boy was taken to the hospital, and is now back at home.
Bill Adkins and Tony Hylton were recognized for performing CPR on a friend, and fellow Seville Bronze worker.
When Jim Robinson fell to the floor not long after arriving at work, suffering from a massive heart attack, Bill Adkins and Tony Hylton responded quickly. Trained as part of the company-sponsored first responder team at Seville Bronze, they never thought they would be called to perform CPR on Jim.
“Jim was Superman at work. To be pushing on your friend of 18…20 years? It was devastating,” said Tony.
Their extensive training in Red Cross First Aid and CPR kicked in and they were able to help maintain Jim until paramedics arrived.
“If not for the efforts of Bill and Tony, Jim may not be alive today,” said Chief Jerry Winkler of the Seville-Guilford Fire and EMS.
Officer Derrick Jackson, and Officer Chris Crockett were recognized for saving a man from a home fire.
Officers Chris Crockett and Derrick Jackson reported to the scene of a house fire where someone was still inside. Knowing that seconds count in a fire, Officer Jackson, a new recruit on the Akron Police Department, pushed his way into the building. Thick smoke bellowed from the house. He came back out to catch his breath.
Officer Crockett returned to the police cruiser for a facemask to filter the smoke. Diving into the home, he too began searching around for the resident as Officer Jackson guided to him from the open door. Once the man was located, the officers pulled him to safety.
Devon McConnell, Ethan Cameron, Paul Martin and Andy Reece were recognized for saving two women and an infant from a fire.
Four Ohio Edison linemen — Devon McConnell, Ethan Cameron, Paul Martin and Andy Reece — sent to a job site in Rittman, were just getting ready to break for lunch when they heard a woman’s voice screaming, “Fire!”
Looking around, Paul Martin saw a woman standing on a balcony, holding a baby in her arms.
The crew called 911. Knowing that time was of the essence, they quickly moved into position. Moving their truck closer to the building, Devon raised the bucket and grabbed the family. As he was lowering the woman and child to the ground, another woman appeared on another balcony and began yelling for help. As heat rolled out of the open door, Devon returned to rescue the second woman. It took five fire departments to contain the blaze.
All four men have first responder certification, as well as Red Cross First Aid and CPR training. They view their actions as just another facet of their job.
“We are fortunate to have a sense of pride in our jobs. It is an amazing feeling, simply to see the lights come on,” said Paul.
Melvin Davis and Steve Myers were recognized for saving a woman from an apartment fire.
On a Friday night in October, a resident at the apartment complex where Melvin Davis is a Live-in Assistant ran into his apartment to alert him to a fire in one of the apartments. Moving quickly, Melvin grabbed his pass key and followed the man. He could smell the smoke. He called out to the resident, an elderly woman. She answered that she was hurt and couldn’t get to the door.
Melvin opened the door. Struggling to breathe, he couldn’t see more than two feet in front of himself. He called out again. He moved into the apartment but returned to the hallway when he heard the door slam shut behind him. Steve Myers, a resident of the complex, was in the hall and offered to hold the door so that Melvin would be able to find his way out.
Melvin returned into the smoke and crackling flames of the apartment. Working between the sound of the woman’s voice and the sound of Steve’s, he was able to pull the woman to the door. Steve and Melvin moved her to the safety of the stairwell and then began helping the rest of the residents out of the building.
“It was just a blessing to help her,” said Steve.
Officer Adam LeMonier, Officer Darren McConnell and Officer Gregory Mesko were recognized for saving a woman from a home fire.
Officers Adam LeMonier, Darren McConnell and Gregory Mesko were called to a smoke filled home. Neighbors reported that the resident was at home and had not been seen. Moving quickly, the officers made the decision to enter the home and search for the woman. The Officers found her asleep on her bed unaware of what was going on. She was quickly removed from the home.
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In addition to recognizing the heroism of area residents at the event, the American Red Cross of Summit, Portage and Medina Counties will present the H. Peter Burg Award to a community member who has been selfless in service to the community. This year’s recipient is William (Bill) J. Ginter, who demonstrates a lifelong commitment to humanitarian causes, charitable organizations and the vitality and welfare of the local community.
While CEO of FirstEnergy and chair of the local Red Cross Board of Directors, H Peter Burg established a legacy of dedicated service to the Greater Akron community. Following his death in 2004, the American Red Cross established an award in Pete’s name to honor his memory and inspire others. By bestowing the award on Bill the Red Cross recognizes his lifetime of community service.
On May 15th, the American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio celebrated the 15th Annual Real Heroes Awards Event.
The event, held at the beautiful Bertram Inn in Aurora, raised over $22,000 for the services and programs of the Red Cross in Northeast Ohio.
The 2014 Honorees include:
David Irland was recognized for using his First Aid knowledge to save a choking child.
During a lunch period last spring, David Irland, a teacher, noticed one of his kindergarten students not acting quite right. Within seconds, David could tell the boy was choking. Quickly and quietly, he knelt behind the boy and performed an abdominal thrust which dislodged a very large bite of sandwich. He took the kindergartener to the school nurse and they were back in the lunchroom within 15 minutes.
Now a first grader, the boy only remembers that his head slumped over and Mr. Irland came up and gave him a big hug.
Chance Singer was recognized for rescuing a family from an early morning house fire.
Chance Singer was driving home from work around midnight when he and his passengers spotted the roof of a house consumed by fire. Noticing a car in the driveway, Chance pulled over and ran to the house to alert the residents. After banging on various doors and windows, he had to run back to his car to recover from the smoke. When he returned for one more attempt, he heard a dog barking. He watched as the family ran out of the burning door. The oldest son had been woken by Chance’s pounding and had pressed his family into action. With the home engulfed in flames, Chance got them across the street to safety.
Chief Seth Riewaldt was recognized for 35 years of altruistic commitment to the Aurora Community and for creating the Community Enhancement Team (CET) and K-9 unit.
Chief Riewaldt will retire in June with 35 years of service to the community of Aurora. He worked his way through the ranks, first as a dispatcher and then as an officer, and was appointed Aurora’s Police Chief in 2003. In his tenure, he has increased the size of the force and assembled funding for the city’s Police K-9 unit. In an effort to enhance the department’s response in the community the Chief created the Community Enhancement Team (CET), which is a division of three officers assigned to address concerns of residents and business owners. He initiated the school resource officer program with the local district, which has grown from one officer to two.
Bart Alcorn was recognized for creating Clay Eddy Fields Kiwanis Park and developing employment programs for area adults with disabilities.
When his daughter was young, he saw a need for more athletic fields in the area. Bart, co-owner of Eddy Fruit Farm, started his own non-profit and began raising funds to create the Clay Eddy Fields Kiwanis Park. The park grew to include baseball and soccer fields which are open to all local teams. It is now the home to the Special Olympics Softball Tournament.
Through the Special Olympics, Bart has become a proud supporter of adults with disabilities. He is taking on a new project that will tie the family business to the community members he has come to know and love. “The Green House Project” will provide fresh vegetables through Eddy Fruit Farm to the community at large all year round and will create jobs for adults with disabilities.
Andrew Wawrin was recognized for inspiring community members to donate over 500 pints of blood to help more than 1500 recipients through the annual Christopher Wawrin Blood Drive.
When his son, Christopher, passed away due to a violent act in December of 1997, Andy Wawrin wanted to observe his birthday in a way that would continue to honor his legacy. Each year he hosts a blood drive on the weekend of Christopher’s birthday. Christopher, who had been a regular blood donor, had received over 100 units of blood while fighting for his life.
In the past 16 years, the family has inspired nearly 500 people to come and donate blood and helping 1500 patients in local hospitals to receive the lifesaving treatments they need.
Zoe Burch was recognized for reporting the threat of school violence.
Zoe was in an online chat room during her second year at Kent State University when she noticed a violent threat towards a high school in Pennsylvania. She reported the threat to Kent State Police which led to involvement from Pennsylvania authorities and the FBl. The threat was confirmed and the suspect was arrested thanks to Zoe’s quick actions.
Dr. Judah Friedman was recognized for going above and beyond to assist his patients when they need it the most.
Dr. Judah Friedman loves the science behind medicine, but his passion is allowing his patients to finalize their lives without their focus being on doctors and hospitals. Dr. Friedman visits his patients at various hospitals as a friend, he takes their prescriptions to them so their time is spent with family not driving to pharmacies. He will also continue his care as his patient’s transition to hospice and provide his personal cell phone number to be contacted anytime, day or night, even if it’s just to talk. Dr. Friedman goes above and beyond to make sure his patients are focusing on the truly important people in their lives.
Portage County community hero, A. Ray Dalton of PartsSource, was awarded the Robinson Memorial Paragon Award for his contributions to improve Portage County and the world around him.
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