17 everyday heroes honored by the First Capital Chapter of the American Red Cross
The First Capital District Chapter of the American Red Cross recognized its local heroes to be honored their annual Heroes Banquet Friday night.
Ross County’s everyday heroes were selected from submitted nominations by a committee of the local Red Cross chapter. Those honored included:
Karen McDonald Myers was honored as the Community Hero. Karen has been Director of the South Central Ohio Big Brothers Big Sisters for 20 years. Because of her leadership, thousands of young lives have been affected in a positive manner. Her dedication to the job is a testament to her love and devotion to the children of the program.
The Hope Clinic received the Health Care Hero Award this year. The free clinic that opened in February of 2012 takes a holistic approach to healing the underserved of our community. The professional volunteer staff addresses the medical needs of the clients. Each client is offered the services of a volunteer licensed social worker and prayer with groups from area churches.
Southern Ohio Survivors received the Group Award this year. This organization meets the needs of cancer patients that is beyond the scope of other organizations. Services provided may include gasoline for doctor’s visits, a turban for those who lost their hair as a result of chemotherapy, or even wood for the stove that heats their home. They have even broadened their reach to include other diseases such as diabetes.
Rick Hatton received the veteran hero this year. Rick is an incredible example of what it means to be an American in service of his country. He uses his experiences as a wounded warrior to help veterans who are facing recovery and rehabilitation. He shares his story, his enthusiasm and zest for life to help these veterans enter a civilian life with hope of a brighter tomorrow.
Virgil Flannery the Public Safety Hero. “Rusty”, as most people known, has been an EMT for 27 years with the Concord Township Squads and now with the Deerfield Township Fire Department and squad. He serves on the Emergency Management Association Executive Committee. He has been President of the Ross County Fire and Rescue Association for 11 years. He is an active member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee. He has served as the Honorable Mayor of Frankfort, Ohio and serves on Frankfort City Council.
Delbert and Doris Doles the Senior Hero Award. They have been involved with the Tri-County Triangle Trail since its beginning in April 1990. Deb serves as President and Doris has been Treasurer for the past ten years. On and off the trail, their contributions have been substantial. This trail that they love is such an asset to our community. Because of Deb and Doris, so many in our community are getting healthy while enjoying time with family and friends.
Park Officer Paul Lallier as Workplace Hero. On August 15, 2010 while on patrol at Lake White State Park, he came upon a motorcycle accident. He found the victim to be alive and conscious but his arm was severed. He retrieved his first aid bag and used the skills that he had learned to control the bleeding. Another bystander located the severed limb and packed it in ice. Fortunately surgeons were able to reattach the man’s arm.
Sam Calvin as Youth Hero this year. Sam was a student in one of our CPR and First Aid courses in November of 2010. On May 8, 2011, he was attending a 4-H meeting when a friend of his split his head open on the edge of a doorway. Sam helped to treat his wound before sending him to the hospital for stitches. As it turned out, Sam was the only one present that was certified in First Aid. Sam recently was certified as a lifeguard and will be working this
summer protecting swimmers.
Chas and Tracy Kottenbrook were honored with a Special Recognition Award. They lost their only son Randy to cancer on January 17, 2002 at the age of 13 after five years of fighting the dreaded disease. Before his death, Randy encouraged his parents to adopt children as they had often talked about it with him, Tracy and Chas adopted their first special needs/medically fragile child approximately 2 years after Randy’s death and have adopted 3 more children since. Chas and Tracy believe that every child deserves a family that loves them and a home to call their own.
On February 17, 2011, the Chapter embarked on a Capital Campaign to raise funds to purchase a new chapter house under the leadership of Dr. Patty Haller, Bob Evans, Larry Gates, and the entire Capital Campaign Committee. The Chapter honored Dr. Patty Haller and the Committee for their steadfast belief in this project and the support they have given to the Chapter.
Also a Special Recognition Award went to Herbert and Bettie Friedman. Their donation of the beautiful building at 181 N. Bridge St. is a fabulous gift to the Red Cross and the people of Ross County. Because of them, we will increase our blood donations by 12% in the first year by holding regular community blood drives inside our facility. We will have adequate space for an Disaster Operations Center and for training. We will have meeting space for our military families and for our Board, staff and other groups. The building is accessible to everyone regardless of their abilities and there is ample parking space.
The 6th Annual Ruby Flynn Award was presented to Sharon Flannery. Her dedication to Blood Services has prompted her to hold a blood drive at the Frankfort Fire Department every 56 days. Serving for nearly 30 years as an EMT for the Frankfort FD, she has first hand knowledge of how vital a safe and adequate blood supply is to save the lives of area patients.
The 9th Annual Heroes’ Event was held on Friday May 18th at the Tabernacle Baptist Church Life Center. Mr. Garin Veris as Keynote Speaker.
For more information: Call the Red Cross, 772-2014.
Dan Ramey spoke with Executive Director Mary McCord after the Banquet
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