The American Red Cross Central Pennsylvania Chapter honored local heroes during an award reception at The Hershey Story Museum in Hershey on Thursday, March 21. FOX-43 news anchor Evan Forrester was the emcee for the event, which drew close to 200 people. Award recipients included:
Hero Award - Law Enforcement - video
Trooper Stefanie Schiavoni – Trooper Schiavoni responded to a nearby EMS call in Lancaster County for a senior citizen who was unconscious and unresponsive. Immediately, she began lifesaving action, performing CPR compressions until EMS arrived. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital where he was treated and has since fully recovered.
Hero Award – Animal Rescue - video
Elizabeth Heim – Dauphin County Animal Response Team member, volunteer firefighter, and mother to seven has dedicated her life and profession to helping animals big and small. Her selfless service and her drive to rescue, protect, and educate on behalf of animals of all kinds, embodies the spirit of a hero.
Hero Award – Adult Good Samaritan - video
Teamsters Local 776– In September of 2018, Teamsters Local 776 stepped up to assist communities devastated by Hurricane Florence. Their efforts ensured truckloads of donations were transported and received by impacted communities; embodying their very own motto, “People Helping People.”
Hero Award – Biomedical - video
Steve Benedict – Red Cross Blood Drive coordinator, donor, and steadfast advocate, Steve Benedict of the Mountville Lions Club, has tirelessly served throughout Mountville for over 15 years as a Red Cross volunteer. In 2018, Steve’s efforts locally resulted in 182 donations that helped nearly 550 patients.
Hero Award – Lifesaving - video
Sgt. Michael Schmidt, Sgt. Arin Cuccia, Officer Ed Coghill -In early 2018, a call was received at the Pennsylvania State Capitol for an unconscious man. Immediately, Sergeants Michael Schmidt and Arin Cuccia, along with Officer Ed Coghill responded; performing CPR and applying an AED to the victim. These officers bravely and courageously responded, and their actions saved the life of the victim.
Hero Award – Volunteer of the Year - video
Shamim Jiwa-Kassam– For the past 13 years, Shamim Jiwa-Kassam has stepped up to the challenge when called upon – she has served at over 40 National Relief Efforts with her deployments totaling nearly 500 days. Since 2012, Shamim has logged 14,518 volunteer hours in her home region.
Hero Award – Partner of the Year - video
UGI Utilities, Inc.– UGI Utilities began their support to the American Red Cross with the Senior Care Program. Soon after, with the inception of the Sound the Alarm Campaign, their support transitioned to making homes safer from home fires. Their ongoing support each year now totals over $400,000 and has blazed the trail for the Sound the Alarm Campaign in Central and Eastern Pennsylvania. The American Red Cross is proud to recognize this partnership.
Hero Award – Firefighter - video
Ryan Conklin– On Christmas evening of 2017, Lancaster City Firefighter Ryan Conklin responded to a home fire just three blocks from his station. Upon arrival, he found a father in the front yard with his two young daughters who were both badly injured. Ryan immediately went into action, providing care and medical treatment. The oldest of the children, Kely, was severely burned and went on to have over 20 surgeries and countless hours of therapy. But Kely survived, due to the treatment she received from Firefighter Conklin on the scene that evening.