Local Heroes To Be Honored By Red Cross

Real people do extraordinary things. They rush to help others who are in trouble. And sometimes it's the difference between life and death. So the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross is once again honoring some of these folks to recognize their efforts and say thanks.The Real Heroes Breakfast will be held later this month!

I've been to many of these events and it's something I look forward to all year long. If you need your faith in humanity restored, this is the way to do it. As an added bonus, all the money raised by the breakfast benefits the Pine Tree Chapter's disaster relief fund!

Disaster Services helps Mainers recover from the toughest times in their lives. Todd Nadeau of the Pine Tree Chapter says this year has been especially busy.

"Every 32 to 36 hours, we're responding to a house fire, that's typically the incidents that we respond to, 98% of the time. The other two percent of the time, a perfect example would be the ice storm over the holidays where we had eight days and six shelters set up all over the state, three of which were in the Pine Tree Chapter."

The Pine Tree Chapter's 17th Annual Real Heroes Awards Breakfast will be held at Jeff's Catering in Brewer on Thursday, March 20th from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tickets are $25 each or $45 per couple. Be sure to bring some tissues because you're going to need them!

Here are the Real Heroes being honored at this year's event:

Michael Hashey and Jamie Slauenwhite, Old Town Police Department
The officers’ quick action and negotiations with a suspect led to the rescue of two children from the scene of a dispute that escalated into a homicide.

Kirk Sperrey, Clifton
On his way home from work, Kirk provided first aid care to a man who was seriously injured when he was struck in the head by a flying piece of metal he was trying to pull free from a tree using his ATV. Kirk helped provide first aid and control the profuse bleeding until rescue crews arrived.

Bonnie Martin and Ashley Patterson, Bangor
Bonnie Martin and daughter Ashley Patterson rushed to the aid of two elderly pedestrians who were hit by a vehicle. Both of the injured continue rehabilitation for their injuries, but fortunately survived thanks to Bonnie and Ashley.

Chief Steven Emery, Officer Jeff Vanadestine, and Junior Firefighter Ryan Michael Havey, Town of Pittsfield-Police & Fire Departments
The three rushed to rescue an elderly woman trapped in a car that had plunged into the Sebasticook River. After several attempts to reach the driver, Chief Emery smashed the rear window, and the three pulled the woman from the vehicle.

Master Sergeant Arthur Unobskey, Maine Air National Guard, 101st Air Refueling Wing
While on deployment in Southeast Asia, Master Sergeant Arthur Unobskey aministered emergency aid to save the life of his commanding officer, who was stricken with two pulmonary emboli and an enlarged heart. Unobskey’s efforts kept the officer alive until emergency medical care arrived.

Blood Hero Award: Ellsworth Moose Lodge
In addition to its own annual blood drives, members of the Lodge volunteer at other local drives. Whenever the Red Cross has needed assistance with volunteers at a drive, or help with tasks such as distributing posters and flyers, the Moose Lodge has been there to help at a moment's notice.

Extra Mile Award: (Corporate Supporter Award): WABI-TV5
WABI, a long-term Real Heroes partner, supports the event in numerous ways. The station encourages nominations from the public, produces video spots for over-the-air broadcast and viewing during the event, provides emcees to host the breakfast, and much more.