2013 Hometown Heroes Recognized at American Red Cross Event

The Mission of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies; when crises and disasters strike, the members and supporters of the American Red Cross join together and respond. This year, the Chautauqua County District of the Southwestern NY Chapter of the American Red Cross, together with major corporate sponsor NRG Dunkirk Power, conducted its eleventh annual “Salute to Hometown Heroes” celebration to recognize those local heroes who have demonstrated a tremendous willingness to help their neighbors during times of great need. This breakfast event celebration recognized and celebrated the knowledge, skill and actions of these exceptional individuals.

This year’s recipient of the Farm Fresh Foods Law Enforcement award was Patrolman James Muscato of the Westfield Police Department.  Patrolman Muscato responded to the scene of a fire in the Village of Westfield and his actions at that time saved the lives of several residents of the building.  Without hesitation, and at great risk to his own safety, he entered the house, at one point crawling on his hands, knees and stomach.  Patrolman Muscato’s actions demonstrate his dedication to the safety of the residents of Westfield.  We commend him for his bravery, dedication to duty, and unselfish actions.

Thomas Atwell of the Gerry Fire Department was the recipient of the Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company Emergency Personnel Award.  Thomas is the 1^st Assistant Chief of the Gerry Fire Department, an EMT as well as Rodeo Chairman.  Thomas loves his community, and recently headed up a wonderful fundraiser for the chief of the Gerry fire department who is battling cancer.  The event was a great success.  “We say ‘God Bless’ to Tommy for his excellence and dedication to the Town of Gerry,” stated nominators David and Dorothy Miller.

Wayne Engstrom was awarded the Cummins, Inc. Workplace Hero award for 2013.  On August 2, 2012, Ted Card was working on a tractor when he became trapped between the tractor and the hay wagon it was pulling.  He was injured and unresponsive.  Wayne, who works with Ted, blocked the wagon and moved the tractor ahead, freeing Ted who then fell to the ground.  Wayne realized the situation was bad and immediately called 9-1-1 and attended to Ted until the Fluvanna Fire Department arrived.  “Thank you to Wayne for assisting my son when he needed it the most,” said Pat Carr.

Deborah Washington of Dunkirk was the recipient of the Nestlé Purina PetCare Animal Rescue Award.  Deborah goes through great efforts to feed and befriend feral cats daily.  She has hand raised kittens by the litter in her bathtub.  From her own resources, she has taken feral cats to be neutered and released them.  She has also taken very sick cats and nurtured them back to health.  She has also comforted them when they are dying.  She is very deserving of the Animal Rescue award for these reasons.

The winner of the KeyBank Youth Award responded to an emergency in his own home.  On July 15, 2012, an explosion rocked the home of the Sweet family.  The explosion buried the father of the family, Mark, under rubble and knocked his son Brandon off his feet.  Brandon was able to dig his father out of the rubble and assisted him outside and to the ambulance when it arrived.  He also carried his mother to an ambulance and cared for his other two brothers.  Brandon did all this while injured himself.  His actions set an example for all of us.

               

This year’s recipients of the Everyday’s TrueValue Firefighter award were Doug Crane, Michael Courtney and James Irwin of the Stanley Hose Company in Sherman, NY.  After the fire department was dispatched to a fire, these three fire fighters responded directly to the scene.  Upon arrival, they noticed the rear of the residence was fully involved and that two people were trapped in the second story bedroom.  The fire fighters used quick thinking and acquired two ladders from contractors and proceeded to rescue the victims from the home.  If it had not been for the brave actions of these men, the outcome could have been much worse.

The recipient of the NRG Dunkirk Power Humanitarian Award was Justin Brunacini.  A humanitarian is defined as a person having concern for or helping to improve the welfare and happiness of people, or someone who works to save human lives or alleviate suffering.  This year’s humanitarian award winner reflected these values when, while on his way to a friend’s home he noticed flames and smoke coming from a home.  Justin immediately stopped and attempted to alert the residents.  He quickly noticed there were people trapped on the second floor of the home.  With total disregard for his safety, Justin pulled his van alongside the burning home and rescued the occupants. He did not leave the residents until he was sure that they were safely in the care of fire and EMS personnel.  Justin showed us that day that he is a Hometown Hero.  He unselfishly stopped to help when it was needed most.

            

These heroes and those sponsoring their awards are being recognized by the American Red Cross in what has become an annual tradition. This year’s winners received their awards at the Hometown Heroes Breakfast held at the Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown on Wednesday, May 29^th.  Award recipients also received a New York State Assembly Certificate of Merit from Assemblyman Andy Goodell and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Tom Reed.  The SWNY Chapter Vice Chairman, John Plumb, extended special thanks to those who made this awards event possible - the staff at Moon Brook Country Club, Allison Beach who sang the National Anthem, Master of Ceremonies Terry Frank, WJTN News Director, and the many corporate award sponsors.  Mr. Plumb also thanked Spectrum Eyecare and Jamestown Mattress, two local companies that sponsored tables for the event.  Southwestern NY Chapter Executive Director Bill Tucker said it this way:  “Our Hometown Heroes Event is a wonderful way to recognize ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” 

Funds raised through this event will support local Chapter programs such as disaster relief operations and Service to Armed Forces activities in Chautauqua County.

PHOTO CAPTION: Front row, L to R: Justin Brunacini, Brandon Sweet, Deborah Washington, Patrolman James Muscato and Wayne Engstrom.  Back row, L to R: Thomas Atwell, Doug Crane, James Irwin and Michael Courtney.