Red Cross seeks public’s help finding local heroes

SAN DIEGO -- The American Red Cross says it needs the public’s help to find local heroes in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

Those who know an “ordinary” person with extraordinary courage are being asked to nominate them for the 18th Annual Real Heroes Awards.

The nominations deadline has been extended to July 22.

“We know that our region is home to countless unsung heroes, and we need the public’s help to find them,” says Sean Mahoney, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross Southern California Region.

In light of the ongoing COVID- 19 crisis, this year’s event will be held virtually for the safety of attendees. Red Cross said honorees will be celebrated across eight categories, and nominations are needed now in all categories:

• Animal Welfare: An animal that has protected a human or another animal in a time of need, or a person who has rescued an animal from a traumatic situation.

• Community Partner: A local organization that has administered exceptional safety and preparedness measures to protect staff and prepare for emergencies.

• Fire and Rescue: A professional rescuer ( firefighter, EMS personnel, etc.) whose lifesaving action went beyond the scope of his or her job to help another in critical need.

• Gift of Life: An individual or group that supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross through blood or platelet donations or an individual or group that inspires others to donate blood or platelets.

• Good Samaritan: An adult ( 18 or older) who used lifesaving skills to save or attempt to save the lives of others or has helped to improve the welfare of their community.

• Law Enforcement: A professional law enforcement officer whose lifesaving action went beyond the scope of his or her job to help another in critical need.

• Military: A member of the armed forces ( active, reserve, retired, commissioned or non- commissioned) whose lifesaving action during active- duty status went beyond the scope of his or her job to help another in critical need or improve the welfare of the military community.

• Youth Good Samaritan: A youth ( age 17 and younger) who has gone to the aid of those in need or has helped to improve the welfare of their community.

Heroes are nominated by the public and are chosen by an awards selection committee consisting of local community leaders and event sponsors. This year’s Real Heroes award recipients will be honored at the virtual event on Sept. 25.

How to Nominate a Hero

To find more information, to submit a nomination online or to download the nomination form, go to redcross. org/ sandiego/ realheroes.

Nominations may also be submitted via email at Events. SanDiegoCA@redcross.org or by regular mail at American Red Cross, Attn: Real Heroes, 3950 Calle Fortunada, San Diego, CA 92123.

For more information about the American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties, visit redcross. org/ SoCal.