Nominate ‘hometown heroes’ for recognition by Red Cross

The American Red Cross is looking for “hometown heroes.”

If you know someone who has saved or helped save a life by intervening or providing aid, nominate this hero for recognition. The nominee can be a Good Samaritan or a professionally trained lifesaver and cannot have caused or contributed to the life-threatening incident.

The Red Cross will honor the chosen heroes on Nov. 17 at the second annual Honoring Hometown Heroes Luncheon. Proceeds from the luncheon will support local disaster relief.

The nominee must live or work in Spokane, Stevens, Whitman, Adams, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Bonner or Boundary County. The heroic act may have occurred outside these counties as long as the hero is a resident of one of them.

The heroic act must have occurred between Sept. 1, 2003, and Sept. 30, 2004. Nominations will be accepted until Oct. 15.

The Red Cross presents awards in several categories.

Humanitarian Youth Hero: Presented to an ordinary citizen (age 21 and under) using lifesaving skills to save the life of another.

Humanitarian Adult Hero: Presented to an ordinary citizen (age 22-54) using lifesaving skills to save the life of another.

Humanitarian Senior Hero: Presented to an ordinary citizen (age 55 or more) using lifesaving skills to save the life of another.

Community Partner Hero: Presented to a community group, neighborhood organization or local company that consistently demonstrates a commitment to making a difference in the community.

Animal Rescue Hero: Presented to an ordinary citizen using lifesaving skills to save the life of an animal, or an animal that saves human lives.

Workplace Safety Hero: Presented to an ordinary citizen who saves a life at the office, construction site or other workplace environment.

Military Hero: Presented to a member of the armed forces (active or retired) whose lifesaving action goes beyond the call of duty.

Medical Hero: Presented to a medical professional or an organization whose lifesaving action goes beyond the call of duty.

Law Enforcement/Dispatch Hero: Presented to a law enforcement agent and/or 911 dispatcher whose lifesaving action goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Fire Safety Hero: Presented to a professional or volunteer firefighter whose lifesaving action goes above and beyond the call of duty, or ordinary citizen whose lifesaving action involved fire.

Wilderness Rescue Hero: Presented to an ordinary citizen or professional rescuer involved in rescuing a person in a wilderness environment either on land or at sea.