Nominees sought for annual Inland Empire Hero awards

The American Red Cross is looking for heroes in Riverside and San Bernardino counties to be honored at its annual Inland Empire Heroes Awards, to be held March 8 at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa.

The Red Cross accepts nominations in the following categories. Nominations are accepted year-round, but to be considered for the 2022 awards, they must be received by Friday, , according to a news release.

• Animal Welfare Hero: This award is presented to an animal that has protected a human or another animal in a time of need, to a person who has rescued an animal from a traumatic situation, to an animal that is making a difference to impact someone’s life, or to an individual who cares for animals.

• Corporate Hero: This award goes to a business or organization that has contributed significantly to the American Red Cross mission and made a positive impact in the community.

• Disaster Services Hero: This award goes to an individual or an organization that has exhibited heroic efforts in any or all of the areas of disaster services, including preparedness, response or recovery during a natural disaster or emergency situation through mission-driven response assistance to people in need.

• First Responder Hero: This award is presented to a professional or volunteer serving as a law enforcement official, firefighter, first responder or responder in the medical or health-care field.

• Gift of Life Hero: This award goes to an individual or group supporting the mission of the American Red Cross through blood or platelet donations or inspiring others to give blood or platelets.

• Good Samaritan Hero: This award is presented to a person who has demonstrated outstanding heroism, skill, commitment or resourcefulness in attempting to save one or more lives by using skills aligned with those taught in Red Cross programs such as CPR/AED/First Aid or other health and preparedness training.

• Service to the Armed Forces Hero: This award is presented to a member or members of the armed forces (active or veteran, commissioned or non-commissioned) whose heroic action(s) demonstrated exceptional courage or improved the welfare of the military community.

• Youth Hero (age 18 or younger): This award is presented to a youth who has demonstrated courage, initiative and/or compassion in the spirit of the American Red Cross in service to another person or the welfare of the region.

Nominees must reside, work or be active in Riverside County or San Bernardino County or the acts of courage or humanitarian service must have occurred in one of these counties. The heroic act must be either an ongoing commitment to the community for more than one year or must have occurred in 2021.

For more information, to download a nomination form or to submit a nomination online, go to redcross.org/IEHeroes.