The Red Cross Central Valley Heroes Awards is a celebration honoring local heroes for courage, compassion and leadership!
The American Red Cross of the Central Valley honors individuals for acts of great bravery, dedication and service to the community at our Central Valley Heroes Awards.
In 2025, heroes will be honored in the following categories:
For more event information, please contact the team at cencalevents@redcross.org
On the evening of August 4, 2024, Alba Aragon became an unexpected hero when a 23-year-old man’s swim in the San Joaquin River turned into a fight for survival. Awakened by frantic screams from the riverbank, Alba saw the man struggling against a strong current and quickly sinking beneath the surface. Without hesitation, she put on a life jacket, grabbed an inner tube, and paddled 30 yards into the river to reach him.
Her courage and quick thinking gave the man the lifeline he desperately needed. Alba guided him safely back to shore, where he was reunited with his family and received medical attention. First responders later confirmed that her selfless actions undoubtedly saved his life.
Alba’s bravery in a moment of crisis reminds us that heroes are often those who rise without hesitation when others are in need. Her decisive and compassionate response turned a potential tragedy into a story of survival and hope.
What does it take to save lives halfway across the world? For the fifth and sixth-grade students at Gettysburg Elementary, the answer was determination, creativity, and the guidance of their teacher, Kristyn Giesel. When they learned that $400 could fund a life-saving surgery in Ethiopia, they decided to take action. With Ms. Giesel encouraging their compassion and drive, the students crafted bracelets, origami art, and stress balls and sold oranges during school events. Their efforts raised over $2,000—enough to fund five surgeries. These remarkable students proved that when young minds are inspired, they can change lives across the globe.
On the night of October 3, 2024, Firefighter Juan Galindo faced an inferno and made a decision that would save a life. When Fresno Fire arrived at a burning two-story apartment building, frantic civilians directed them to a trapped child inside. With flames spreading rapidly and time slipping away, Firefighter Galindo acted with extraordinary bravery.
Hearing the child’s screams but without the protection of a hose line, he entered the blaze to search for her. Overcome by the searing heat, he was forced to retreat, sustaining burns in the process. Undeterred, Firefighter Galindo returned with a hose line, battling the fire and continuing his search. Against all odds, he found the child under the protective cover of a dog. Carrying her to safety, he provided critical medical care en route to the hospital, ensuring she had the best chance of survival.
Firefighter Juan Galindo’s courage and selflessness that night reflect the highest ideals of service and sacrifice. His actions not only saved a life but embodied the unwavering commitment of first responders to protect others.
Every Honor Flight carries more than veterans—it carries healing, closure, and gratitude. For over a decade, Bill and Janet Goodreau have ensured that these missions honor those who served. Bill, a Vietnam-era U.S. Army veteran, and Janet, a steadfast patriot, have dedicated themselves to every aspect of the Central Valley Honor Flight program, from logistics to personalized details like memorial etching supplies. Their compassion extends beyond planning; their teamwork creates bonds of camaraderie among veterans, offering many the welcome home they never received. Together, Bill and Janet have made Honor Flights a journey of healing and remembrance.
Dr. Naeem Siddiqi’s five-decade career is a testament to the American Dream and a life of unwavering generosity. An immigrant from Pakistan, he overcame personal loss and challenges to build a career devoted to compassion and service. As a physician at Kaweah Health Medical Center, Dr. Siddiqi provides not only expert care but also emotional and holistic support to his patients.
Beyond his practice, Dr. Siddiqi works an extra day every week, donating those earnings to charities that help provide food and resources to vulnerable communities. His selflessness ensures that countless lives are touched far beyond the walls of his clinic. Resilient and humble, Dr. Siddiqi’s dedication reflects the highest ideals of healthcare, making him a true hero to his patients and his community.
Susanne Peterson, a World Literature and AP Language Arts teacher at Sanger West High School, is redefining inclusion through her passionate advocacy for students with special needs. Recognizing the social isolation many of these students face, she created a student-led initiative to bridge the gap between neurotypical students and those with special needs.
From organizing events like the “Buddy Prom” to implementing sensory-friendly activities, Susanne’s work has fostered meaningful relationships and transformed her school’s culture. Her vision extends beyond her classroom as she collaborates with other schools in the district to expand these inclusive opportunities. By championing connection and understanding, Susanne is creating a legacy where every student feels seen, valued and empowered to thrive.
Through his visionary leadership at Washington Union High School, Tony Pena is transforming lives and addressing critical healthcare gaps in the Central Valley. As the founder of the Patient Care Pathway program, Tony created a school-based clinic that provides free healthcare to local residents while offering students invaluable hands-on medical training. Under his guidance, students not only develop practical skills but also graduate with a Medical Assistant license, opening direct pathways to careers in healthcare.
To ensure the program’s sustainability, Tony forged partnerships with Pride Sports Medicine physicians, who mentor students and expand the clinic’s outreach. By empowering students with education, compassion, and responsibility, Tony has instilled a culture of service that impacts both the school and the wider community.
Tony Pena’s unwavering dedication to creating opportunities and improving access to healthcare exemplifies the true spirit of community impact, leaving a legacy of hope and resilience that will endure for generations.
Rosemary Caso has dedicated her life to building a stronger, more resilient community as the Executive Director of United Way of Tulare County. Whether leading efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic or spearheading flood relief in 2023, Rosemary has consistently stepped up to address critical needs. Her leadership in the Community Care Coalition has brought together over 40 organizations to bridge resource gaps, providing essential support to vulnerable populations across the region.
In 2023 alone, Rosemary led efforts to deliver 2,400 pounds of fresh meat and secure gift cards for families in need. She also championed farmworker assistance, helping to distribute $5 million in aid to over 8,400 individuals. Beyond emergency response, Rosemary ensures foster families and underserved communities receive holiday meals and gifts, fostering hope and connection year-round.
Though she prefers to work behind the scenes, Rosemary’s tireless advocacy and belief in the power of community make her a transformative leader. Her ability to bring people together and leave no stone unturned ensures a brighter future for our community.
Oscar Rodriguez’s journey is one of redemption, resilience, and relentless determination to uplift his community. Growing up in inner-city Fresno, Oscar faced the pull of gang life and the consequences that followed, including incarceration. But instead of letting his past define him, he chose to transform his life and give back to the neighborhoods he once impacted.
In 2016, Oscar and like-minded people co-founded Martin Park, a community hub that turns neglected spaces into thriving centers of hope. By 2023, he expanded this vision with Martin Park-Webster, transforming a once-dangerous area into a safe haven for families. Today, over 500 families benefit from food programs, youth activities, literacy resources, and a supportive environment for growth. By hiring staff from local neighborhoods, Oscar ensures that his work not only serves the community but empowers it from within.
Oscar’s story is proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your legacy. His unwavering commitment to creating opportunities, fostering connection, and building a brighter future for underserved families reflects the very essence of Clara Barton’s humanitarian spirit. Martin Park-Webster stands as a living testament to how one person’s determination can inspire change across generations.
On October 26, 2024, in Fresno, an ambush against Police Sergeant George Imirian turned a routine patrol into a life-or-death situation. A homicide suspect, armed with an AR pistol, fired multiple rounds into Sergeant Imirian’s vehicle, striking him several times in his legs and lower body. As the suspect continued to fire, endangering officers and the community, five Fresno Police Officers worked together to save the sergeant’s life while ensuring public safety.
Amid gunfire, Officer Jonathan Yang moved to the injured sergeant, applying a tourniquet to control bleeding. Officer Christian Andrade provided critical assistance, applying a second tourniquet and stabilizing the sergeant's condition. Officers Justin Phoolka and Andrew Hernandez monitored vitals, addressed shock, and kept the sergeant calm and conscious through steady conversation. Meanwhile, Officer Jacob Shubin drew the suspect’s attention, allowing his team to perform life-saving measures under immense pressure.
Medical professionals later confirmed that the officers’ swift actions, including applying tourniquets and addressing blood loss, were vital in saving Sergeant Imirian’s life. Their teamwork, courage, and decisive use of American Red Cross life-saving techniques embody the highest ideals of service and sacrifice.
To register, please enter the number of attendees in the box next to the Register field. Please also consider a donation to help us fulfill the Red Cross mission. No act of generosity is too small to make a difference.
Nomination Guidelines and Award Requirements
Honorees will be selected by a committee of local community leaders based on the degree to which their actions uphold the values of the American Red Cross and leave a lasting and positive impact on our region. Award decisions are based on the information provided by the nominator, so please be detailed and include as much supporting material as possible.
As the community leader in emergency preparedness, prevention and response, the American Red Cross honors individuals whose extraordinary acts of courage and kindness make them local heroes.
Heroes are selected based on the degree to which their acts of heroism uphold the values of the Red Cross and leave a lasting and positive impact on the residents of the Central Valley.
Good Samaritan Hero: The nominee has performed an act of heroism involving an unusual, significant, or unexpected incident requiring a courageous or unselfish reaction in a time of need that ultimately was resolved in the saving of another person's life.
Youth Hero: Presented to a youth in the community who has demonstrated courage, initiative and/or compassion in the spirit of the American Red Cross in service to another individual or the welfare of the region.
Lifesaving Rescue Hero: Presented to a person that has demonstrated outstanding heroism, skill, commitment or resourcefulness in an attempt to save one or more lives by utilizing skills aligned with those taught in American Red Cross programs such as CPR/AED/First Aid or other health and preparedness training.
First Responder Hero: Presented to a professional or volunteer serving as a law enforcement official, firefighter, or search and rescue. This award is presented to a person or persons who has exhibited heroism in their response to an emergency, on or off-duty, through acts of courage or selflessness.
Military Hero: Presented to a member 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 or civilian community. This award may be presented posthumously and may also be awarded to ROTC members.
Community Impact Hero: The nominee has displayed leadership and commitment to the community by making a positive, noticeable, and significant impact in our community. The nominee has identified a community need and created a program or service or ensured access to essential services (could include food service, postal service, public transportation, janitorial service, etc.) or otherwise took action to address community needs.
Global Citizenship Hero: The nominee has volunteered or worked to address the needs of the world’s vulnerable and unjustly treated populations by building safer, more resilient communities and providing needed relief. The eligible nominee must live or work in one of the 5 counties within the Central Valley Chapter, but may have conducted their service locally, nationally and/or internationally to assist individuals in need.
Healthcare Hero: PThe nominee is a licensed and practicing medical professional, medical student or retired medical professional. The nominee could have been on- or off-duty at the time of the incident. The nominee either exhibited heroism in their response to an emergency situation, ongoing medical need, or ongoing commitment to the community through an act/s of kindness, courage, or unselfishness in response to an identified need.
Education Hero: The nominee has displayed leadership and commitment to their community by making a positive and significant impact, and through their efforts has exhibited heroic efforts to increase access to education. This nominee(s) could be, but not limited to, a practicing teacher, school administrator, day care provider or student organization.
Clara Barton Humanitarian Hero: Presented to a community member whose service and dedication to their community exemplifies the spirit of Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. In memoriam, this award is granted every year to honor the late Clara Barton’s legacy of humanitarian service.
