LONG BEACH, Calif., May 18, 2026 — Ordinary people who took extraordinary action during moments of crisis were honored Friday at the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region’s 21st Annual Hometown Heroes Awards Luncheon aboard the historic Queen Mary.
More than 400 community leaders, partners and supporters gathered in the ship’s Grand Salon overlooking Long Beach Harbor to celebrate 22 individuals and one instinctive dog whose quick thinking, compassion and courage helped save lives across the region. Honorees were recognized for actions taken during emergencies ranging from medical crises and water rescues to wildfire evacuations and home fires.
SEE HERO PHOTOS (Flickr Album)
The Hometown Heroes Awards Luncheon brought together members of the Los Angeles community to recognize acts of courage in life’s most urgent moments. Throughout the program, honorees shared how quick decisions and compassion changed lives, offering powerful reminders that heroism can emerge anywhere, at any time.
One of the most moving stories revisited a Thanksgiving night fire in Larchmont. Neighbor Ari Voukydis went door to door alerting residents. Seven-year-old Savanah Vasquez woke her grandmother. Off-duty paramedic Richard Recinos rushed toward danger and carried her to safety. As presenter Jaime Maggio told the audience, “In the minutes that followed, three people took decisive action,” capturing the instinct to put others first when every second mattered.
The program continued with tributes to individuals whose awareness and bravery prevented tragedy across Southern California. Two young boys called 911 to help a child struggling in the water. A family, guided by their dog, discovered a neighbor’s house fire in time to act. A neighbor used CPR to save a friend during a medical emergency. A team of transit operators safely evacuated seniors as a fast-moving wildfire threatened their community.
Together, these moments told a larger story—that courage shows up in everyday people. Whether stepping in to help a stranger or protecting a neighbor, each honoree demonstrated the lifesaving impact of being prepared and willing to act.
The annual luncheon serves as a signature Red Cross event highlighting how training, preparedness and compassion empower individuals to respond in times of crisis. It also underscores the organization’s mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Held aboard one of Southern California’s most iconic landmarks, the event served as a moving reminder that in the face of emergency, ordinary individuals can and do make an extraordinary difference — often changing the course of someone’s life in a matter of moments.
2026 Hometown Heroes Honorees
This year’s Hometown Heroes Awards Luncheon was made possible by community and corporate partners dedicated to uplifting acts of compassion and service. The Red Cross Los Angeles Region gratefully recognizes California Resources Corporation and the Betty Bazar Foundation, along with Suburban Propane, The Walt Disney Company and Capital Group, and appreciates the continued leadership of all sponsors who help advance the Red Cross mission.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.