Portage County – On March 12, the Portage County Chapter of the American Red Cross honored some real heroes for life saving acts of courage. More than 200 people gathered at the Bertram Inn in Aurora for this event. Both civilian and professional emergency responders from throughout the county were recognized for turning heartbreak into hope during 2010. Lisa Perez, Chair of the committee, reminded that tragedy does not discriminate, emphasizing the importance of first aid, CPR, and trying to help a person in need. Ms. Perez credits her real life heroes, honored last year, for being alive today after her own medical emergency. The day’s biggest salute was to Portage County Correction Officer Derek McCoy for his assistance of an inmate in the county jail. Officer McCoy’s actions, based upon his Red Cross training, helped save a life. He received the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit. This is the highest honor given by the organization and is signed by the President of the United States.
Please join the Villager in saluting Officer McCoy and the other heroes honored this year: Sergeant Les Brode, Mark Kinzer, Officer Aaron Coates, Dispatcher Josee Acklin, Officer Richard Polivka, Officer Jason Hall, Samantha Kollman, Sergeant Pat Domos,Kathy Hampton, Keith Richmond, Yvonne Watters, Scott Danna, Kenny Weaver, Ken “Scotty” Scott, Jane and Bill Wallbrown, Larry Nething, Ron Wood, and Tim Ray.
