Watsonville, CA – September 30, 2025 — On September 27, 2024, Richard Castellon, then an off-duty police officer with the Monterey Police Department, was walking down the hallway of his Virginia apartment complex when he noticed an unconscious man in the gym. Acting quickly, Richard checked on the individual and found him unresponsive. He immediately called 911, requested an AED from the apartment staff, and began performing CPR.

Richard continued chest compressions until emergency medical services arrived. Thanks to his swift response and persistence, the man was transported to the hospital, where he regained a pulse.

For his heroic and lifesaving actions, Richard was awarded the Red Cross Certificate of Merit, one of the highest awards presented by the American Red Cross. The honor is reserved for individuals who save or sustain a life using skills and knowledge learned in a Red Cross lifesaving course.

“We’re extremely proud to present a Certificate of Merit to Richard,” said Michele Averill, CEO of the Red Cross Central Coast Chapter. “His quick thinking, selflessness, and determination to make a difference made a lasting impression. His exceptional actions demonstrate the power of human kindness, and the impact one person can have in the world.”

The American Red Cross Lifesaving Awards date back to 1911, when an anonymous donor pledged $5,000 to recognize first aid work by railway employees. More than a century later, the program continues to honor individuals like Richard—those who step up in moments of crisis to save lives and embody the Red Cross mission: to prevent and alleviate human suffering in times of crisis.
 

Get Trained
Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency and save a life. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session) and classroom courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass.

Nominate Somone
If you or someone you know has used skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course to help save or sustain the life of another individual, visit LifesavingAwards.org to nominate, recognize, or be inspired.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.