DENVER, Colo. (April 29, 2025) – The American Red Cross is honoring six heroes for their lifesaving actions. Out of the six heroes to be honored, three are from the Mile High area and two are from Colorado Springs.

The Red Cross will present awards to these heroes at the American Red Cross Rocky Mountain Heroes Soirée on Saturday, May 3, 2025.  

Lifesaving First Responder Hero Award 

In Centennial, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Deputies Ryan McConnell and Chris Calderón rescued two children from a house fire after responding to a 911 call. The deputies forced their way through a fence to reach the children and bring them to safety before firefighters arrived.

Deputies McConnell and Calderón will be recognized with the Lifesaving First Responder Hero Award for their courageous actions.

The Red Cross thanks Tallgrass Energy for making this award possible and for supporting our mission in Colorado and Wyoming. 

Lifesaving Preparedness Hero of the Year Award 

On Dec. 21, 2024, Scott Tedder stopped by the Heffernan home in Highlands Ranch to collect a final payment for recent roofing work. He arrived earlier than scheduled — a decision that would prove lifesaving. 

While chatting with Dave and Katherine Heffernan, Dave suddenly collapsed. Within seconds, Katherine called 911 and Scott began CPR, guided by the dispatcher. Scott, a former lifeguard, performed chest compressions continuously for 12 minutes until paramedics arrived. Thanks to his swift response, Dave survived with no neurological damage. 

For his decisive action and preparedness, Scott Tedder will receive the Lifesaving Preparedness Hero of the Year Award.

Special thanks to Brian Casey with Haulistic for making this award possible and for his continued support of the Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming .

Life-Changing Hero Organization of the Year Award

Bloodhound Man Trackers, a nonprofit founded in 2014, uses highly trained canines and dedicated volunteers to assist law enforcement in tracking missing persons, recovering clandestine graves and solving cold cases across the U.S. 

At the core of this mission is Brian Eberle, a former firefighter and law enforcement officer with over 18 years of service. Brian, along with his K9 team — a labrador for arson detection, a German shepherd for cadaver recovery and a bloodhound for tracking — has helped bring closure to families in 11 states. 

We thank Chevron for making this award possible and for their continued support of the Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming. 

Military Hero of the Year 

Hero’s Puppy for Life Organization is a Colorado-based nonprofit supporting U.S. Armed Forces Veterans and Emergency First Responders living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder by pairing them with specially trained service puppies. The organization was founded by Vietnam War veteran Frank Griggs, whose own experiences with trauma inspired a mission to help others heal.  

For his military service and lifelong dedication, Griggs will be honored as the Military Hero of the Year.  

The Red Cross thanks Empower for making this award possible and for supporting our mission in Colorado and Wyoming.   

Lifesaving Hero of the Year  

While traveling along State Highway 115 in Colorado Springs, Trooper Jon Kay heard a crash. Within seconds, he arrived at the scene of a head-on collision involving Army Specialist Morgan Jenison. Jenison was trapped in his vehicle and suffering from a severe leg injury with significant bleeding. Trooper Kay immediately took action to save his life. Emergency responders arrived within five minutes.

Thanks to Trooper Kay’s quick response and calm under pressure, Morgan Jenison survived. For his lifesaving actions, Trooper Jon Kay will receive the Lifesaving Hero of the Year award. 

We thank Lloyd J. King and Eleanor R. King Foundation for making this award possible and for their continued support of the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming. 

Media Opportunity 

The media is invited to attend the event held at Seawell Ballroom - Denver Center for The Performing Arts, 150 Arapahoe St., from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to conduct interviews with the heroes and highlight their heroic efforts. B-roll can be provided on request. Please send RSVP to Ann Vastmans, ann.vastmans@redcross.org

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.