(l-r): Red Cross Exec. Director Melissa Veneable, Heroes Travis Garcia, Brett Riemenschneider, Sgt.
Charles Cummins, and RC Regional Philanthropy Officer Jan Daugaard.
In May, the Northern Colorado Chapter of the Red Cross honored people at their annual Heroes Awards Ceremony at The Ranch in Loveland. Over 80 people attended the event to honor the heroes.
Sgt. Charles Cummins with the United States Army received the Military Hero Award. Sgt. Cummins answered the call to volunteer at the Spring Creek fire in July 2018. He provided military operational aid to civilian authorities in order to protect civilian life and property while also ensuring that law and order were adhered to during this highly emotional time. Sgt. Cummins provided security measures, evacuation area escorts and mobile and static security patrols during the state emergency.
Brett Riemenschneider received the Community Hero Award. Brett with 2 others saved a young woman from a burning car on Highway 34 outside of Greeley. He has completed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration training for his work in the oil and gas industry. He credits his training for being able to respond very quickly.
Travis Garcia received the First Responder Community Hero Award. Travis, a trained firefighter from Poudre Fire Authority, saved a man’s life by administering CPR at a local Walgreen’s Pharmacy. Travis and his wife heard a woman scream inside the pharmacy before learning her brother was having a heart attack in a restroom. He continued CPR for about 10 minutes until paramedics arrived and transported the person to the hospital.
Isaac Favela received the Youth Community Hero Award. Isaac, a brave 13-year-old from Greeley, saved a young girl from downing at FunPlex’s Adventure Island & Waterpark. Isaac gave the young girl CPR and helped her to begin breathing again. Because of his action, the Red Cross has offered Isaac their Health & Safety Program free of charge.
In addition, Red Cross Northern Colorado Chapter Board member Mark Carnes received the Lifetime of Service Award. Mark started in an Arizona Chapter donating blood and volunteering. He worked in disaster, first aid and safety, blood, youth & leadership as Committee & Chapter Chairs, Vice-Chair and Chair for the National Diversity Council.