Our 1st Annual Real Community Heroes Event was held on Thursday, May 17, 2007. During the event we presented 26 awards to people in Wayne County who have made a difference in all of our lives. We are grateful for their efforts and their actions. And we know that while we have identified and acknowledged these individuals, there are many more "heroes" in Wayne County - and we want to hear about them!

We will host our 2nd Annual Heroes Event next March, 2008. Begin submitting nominees now! Call the American Red Cross (330-264-9383) for information on nominating or sponsoring the event.

We need sponsors for next year's event! 

Mayor James "Jamie" Howey

Jamie devoted his lifetime to his family, friends and the Wooster Community. It was never difficult to find him at some community function, attending a meeting, or talking with the people. Jamie was a real person, who never let politic get in the way of making Wooster and all of Wayne County a better place to live. Unfortunately, Jamie was taken from us all too soon. His values were simple: do what is best for the community; Look for ways to be of service to others; and Conduct yourself so that your friends can defend you,but don't have to.

Kathi Bond

Seven years ago, touched by families who had nothing, Kathi organized her family and friends to "pick a deserving family" and give them a memorable Christmas. Under her direction, they shop for presents, cook holiday foods, and present their gifts to the family for the holiday. They do it just for the goodness of her heart reaching out to a family in need.

Blake Swartz

Nearly ten years ago, Blake found himself out of work due to his company downsizing. Undaunted, Blake began volunteering for several local organizations, finally being able to secure a position with Every Woman's House. Blake has developed and has earned the respect of many troubled youth, because he returns the respect to them. As his nominator stated, "The most heroic thing is Blake's passion for finding ways to help those in need." 

Stanley C. Gault

It is a lifetime of helping our Community and the people who live here that makes Stanley Gault a Real Community Hero. His long history of business success and leadership is well documented, but it is his love for our community that sets him aside from the others. He has supported many community projects, local organizations, our schools, has been instrumental in the restoration and preservation of Wooster's history and a long time supporter of his Alma Mata, the College of Wooster. World leaders seek his counsel, but it is Wooster that keeps his heart. 

Life's Little Adventure Farm

Randy and Melissa Willard believe that the entire family needs to be involved in the healing process following a family crisis. They began Life's Little Adventure Farm as a way to involve the entire family. Using their farm and many adopted abused animals, they work with families deal with emotional healing. They do not charge for their services. In 2006, 376 families needed and used their services.

Connie Ross

Connie thought retirement meant staying home, gardening and playing with the grandchildren. She soon found that she was not cut out for that lifestyle. When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, Connie and her husband Bill joined the Red Cross and served nearly a month in Florida. When they returned they stayed active as local disaster volunteers, became an instructor and works on blood mobiles. In her spare time, she volunteers through her church and helps with Habitat for Communities. She actually quit a part time job, because it interfered with her volunteering!  

Barry Romich

Giving is second nature to Real Hero Barry Romich. Through his company, Barry has made their mission to help handicapped individuals communicate. For the past 40 years, Prentke Romich has helped the less fortunate. Under Barry's leadership, the company has grown and has helped countless people become more independent and feel a part of the community. During Hurricane Katrina, Prentke Romich donated communication equipment to people who lost their devices during the storm. They also uncovered several people who did not have equipment prior to the storm and were not able to communicate. Truly hero actions.   

Wooster Army Support Group

For Heroes Karen Leeson and Brooke Ledigh, the ability to cope with the issues of war were limited. Together, they formed a military family support group, through the Red Cross, which helps families better understand and deal with having close family members on active duty. Karen's son and Brooke's husband are both currently deployed and on active duty in Iraq. Members are always welcomed and the group meets regularly, the 1st Saturday of each month.

If he's not building buildings in Ohio, Pennsylvania or West Virginia; Community Hero Jack Miller is probably attending a Board Member of some local group, donating his time through his church or helping out at the Triway School District. Jack uses his talents for the betterment of us all. His business talents allow him success professionally and his giving sense allows him to support many community projects that he loves. 

Brenda Ziegler

For Community Hero Brenda Ziegler and her close "partner" Smeke, helping people is just another day at the office. Through their efforts and the Caring Therapy Canines, which she coordinates, Brenda and her colleagues visit people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and community groups, spreading joy and good will along with educating people on proper techniques in dealing and communicating with dogs. The incidents of dog bites has decreased much over the past few years, no doubt to their efforts. But their real joy is working together with their pets in the community, spreading good will to all. 

Tolan Shane

For twelve year old Tolan Shane, obeying his parents is paramount, but on one day last year, he found himself doing just that. Told that he was not to enter a neighbors pond, Tolan found himself faced with saving the life of a 3 year old neighbor who fell into the water. Acting quickly, Tolan reached the girl who drifted further from the shore with each passing moment. Tolan was able to pull the girl to shore saving her from almost certain tragedy. Drawing upon his skills learned through Red Cross swim and first aid lessons, Tolan down played his actions by stating, "It just needed to be done."

David Shaffer

How many of us, when presented with the opportunity to make a lot of money, take that sum and donate it for the betterment of others. For Community Hero David Shaffer, a member of the Wayne County Fair 4-H group, helping others is just his way of life. Following the events of September 11th in 2001; David donated 100% of the proceeds from his prize market hog to the Red Cross 911 Disaster fund. This money was used to help the victims of that tragedy, but his actions did not stop there. David collected money as a member of the Burbank Fire Department for fallen firefighters, and eventually went on to become a Paramedic and is now a fulltime firefighter through the Wooster Fire Department.

Douglas Stuart

For UPS driver, and Community Hero Douglas Stuart, his route in Rittman can sometimes become routine. But for a day last October, he found himself thrust into the role as a rescuer. While on his route, Doug came upon a boy who had fallen, hitting his head on the ground, rendering himself unconscious. The boy did not have a pulse. Acting quickly, Doug took charge directing others to call 911, while he began CPR. The boy was transported to the hospital and fell into a coma for four days. Later that week, Doug was stopped on his route by the boy's father who updated Doug on his son's progress. He was bringing the boy home that day and stopped Doug to thank him for saving his son's life. Doug who is trained as an EMT with the Seville Fire Department is typical format stated, "I was just doing my job." 

Melissa Leighty

For camp counselor, Melissa Leighty, canoe trips will take on whole new meanings. Last July, while Melissa worked at as a camp counselor in Pennsylvania, and along with 150 campers and fellow counselors, they went on a canoe trip. The water soon grew violent, throwing the group into the water, where Melissa pulled three campers and two fellow counselors to safety. Melissa sustained some minor injuries, but otherwise was ok. The people she pulled to safety were unharmed. Melissa is currently preparing to graduate from the Air Force Academy this June. 

Dr. William Smith, MD

Health care in today's society has become something of a luxury, rather than a benefit. For those who can not afford medical coverage, it can become a matter of life and death. For the past 6 years, the Startzman Clinic in Wooster has benefited from the services of Community Hero Dr. William Smith, who donates several hours of his time each week to help others. "He offers a tremendous gift to our patients, who otherwise would go without health care." stated John Moritz from the Clinic. 

Joseph DeLuca, Jr.

For World War II veteran and Community Hero Joseph DeLuca, "no" is not in his vocabulary. Shortly after the war broke out, he joined the Navy, but was discharged due to health reasons. Undaunted, he joined the Army and was deployed to Europe, earning many campaign medals. After the war ended, he continued to serve in Europe, and was assigned as an honor guard following General George Patton's death. Years later, he was asked by the Library of Congress to be a presenter at the WWII Memorial in Washington. Joseph feels that he is lucky and represents all veterans who have served our country bravely.      

Captain James "Jamie" Richards

Always on duty, firefighters and police officers rarely get a day off. But on one day last July, Community Hero Jamie Richards, a day at the beach, was no day at the beach! While vacationing with his family at Lake Waynoka, Jamie responded to the cries from a lifeguard who had responded to a boy who was drowning. Acting quickly, he jumped in and began CPR. After several rounds of compressions and breaths, the boy regained a pulse and was transported to the hospital. Not one for recognition, Jamie responded he was "happy to help, and hoped that if any of his children ever were in need, someone would help them." 

Patrice Smith

How many would give "their left arm" to help someone. How about a kidney to help a complete stranger? For Community Hero, Patrice Smith, the later is what she did this past January. She had planned to donate a kidney to a local recipient, but the health of the patient prevented the transplant to occur. Shortly afterwards, Patrice met someone on the internet and found she was a match. Traveling to California for additional tests and screening, Patrice successfully donated one of her kidneys - saving the recipient's life. Just three short months later, Patrice - a runner, participated and completed the 111th Boston Marathon! When asked why she donated a kidney to a complete stranger, saving their life, Patrice stated, "Because I could."   

Teaching has been a way of life for Hero Awardee Deb Thompson, but she never thought she'd have to use her skills in saving her dad's life. Having retired as a teach in the Rittman School District and having become a Red Cross CPR instructor, Deb thought she would always be training others to use their life saving skills. But for her father Bob, her quick thinking and first aid skills saved his life. Bob had experienced a heart attack at a family gathering. Deb, along with sister Judi and brother in law Tim, performed CPR on their dad, saving his life. The whole family, including Bob, now make community presentations about the virtues of CPR.  

Jennifer Snowbarger

While attending a memorial service at her church, Community Hero Jennifer Snowbarger came upon an elderly lady who had collapsed and was experiencing a heart attack. Thinking quickly, she instructed others to call 911 and began CPR. During the second round of compressions, the victim regained a pulse. Having been trained by the Red Cross as a volleyball coach at Wooster High School, Jennifer stated, "As coaches we sometimes minimize the importance of CPR. This is a wonderful reminder of knowing CPR can save a life."

Tom West and Wayne Corp

How many of us would risk our own life or personal safety to save another? For these two Heroes, the answer is all too real. Mon March 27, 2007, Wayne and Tom traveling on Shondel Road in Rittman came upon a burning barn. After calling 911, the two kicked in the barn door, grabbed a garden hose, and began fighting the fire until the Chippewa Fire Department arrived. Because of their quick actions, they saved te barn, all it's contents, and the adjoining house.   

Rick Hillyer

How good of a neighbor are you? For one Rittman woman, she found out just how good a neighbor she has in Community Hero Rick Hillyer. Rick's neighbor's mobile home caught fire this past March. Reacting quickly, Rick kicked in the door and rescued his neighbor Ruth from the burning home. Chippewa Fire Chief Ron Browning credits Rick for saving Ruth's life.  

John Conrad

Hero Awardee John Conrad was awakened abruptly last December, from a car accident which had crashed across from his home in Orrville. Flames shot from the vehicle as he approached the car. As he came near the vehicle, he noticed that the driver was still in the car, unconscious and in danger. Risking his own safety, John Reached into the car, pulling the victim to safety. This is also amazing, seeing that John is partially disabled from an earlier accident he had been involved with.

For over 50 years, Community Hero Clair Bixler has been saving lives, three at a time - nearly six times a year. Clair does this feat by being a blood donor through the American Red Cross. To date Clair has donated 222 pints of blood - nearly 28 gallons. He started donating when he was 18 years old, wanting to help a boy from his church who was under-going heart surgery. Since then, he's been hooked. Clair and fellow Community Hero Marion Hochstetler were recently inducted into the American Red Cross Northern Ohio Blood Services Hall of Fame.

Marion Hochstetler

Orrville resident and Community Hero Marion Hochstetler donates blood for the simple reason - to save lives. Marion began donating blood along with a fellow teach when he was with the Dalton School District. He soon became hooked on donating and has given 216 pints to date - 27 gallons! He has now become an apheresis (or platelet) donor. The platelets are used for cancer and burn victims in our hospitals. "I like to donate blood because it helps others."

All of those who helped revive and save Amber's life were nominated for the Presidential Life Saver Award, from President Bush. The best reward is that Amber has a second chance at life.  

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