By JoAnne Poindexter, The Roanoke Times (Virginia)

A 9-year-old who pulled a younger child from the bottom of a swimming pool and a World War II veteran who is still serving his country were among the award recipients during the ninth annual Celebration of Heroes, sponsored by the American Red Cross and WSLS-TV (Channel 10). The honorees were recognized March27 for saving a life, performing an extraordinary act of courage or making a difference in the community during the 2011 calendar year. Proceeds from the celebratory breakfast are used by the Red Cross in the Roanoke Valley’s disaster relief work. Julianna Marquez and Juan Roman, both from Roanoke County, shared the Good Samaritan Hero honor.

Julianna, 9, pulled a 4-year-old boy from a swimming pool. Police officers and another citizen performed CPR, and the boy survived. Early one frigid winter morning, Roman stopped and offered his gloves, coffee and assistance to a fellow veteran who was walking down a busy road with no winter attire. Among the other honorees: Roanoke County police Officers Ricky Moore, Darin Hogan and Sgt. Jay Matze were honored as Law Enforcement Heroes for their efforts in saving the 4-year-old boy found in the swimming pool. They radioed for help, secured the area and performed CPR on the boy. Navy veteran Richard “Horseshoe” Ferris of Salem is 87 but still serves with a military honor guard, suiting up 135 times last year for the solemn duty. He received the Military Hero award. After witnessing a head-on collision of a co-worker’s car by another vehicle, Roanoke County firefighter/EMT Brad Bryant treated the co-worker and provided care to a passenger in the other car until fire and rescue personnel arrived. Bryant was named Firefighter Hero. The Emergency Responder Hero was shared by Mark Altman, Dave Bishop, Zach Doran, Brian Sprouse, Jesse Wilson and Mike Woodzell for their actions during the Blue Ridge Marathon. They rushed to the aid of a runner who collapsed and went into cardiac arrest and provided pre-hospital care. The runner made a full recovery. Craig Sheets with the Roanoke County Emergency Communication Center was selected 911 Dispatcher Hero after calming a frantic caller, reassuring him that help was on the way and coaching him in rescue breathing, thus saving a man’s life. The Free Clinic of Franklin County was recognized with the Medical Hero award for “helping others live healthier, fuller lives without sacrificing much-needed medication to pay the rent or buy groceries.” Two Roanoke Valley school superintendents also were honored. Lorraine Lange was named Education Hero for “her strong leadership, guidance and dedication to the education of students” in the Roanoke County school system. Roanoke Superintendent Rita Bishop was selected as Workplace Hero because of her belief in children’s abilities and because she “works tirelessly to encourage them to grow into strong individuals.” Berglund-Farrell Automotive received the Community Impact award for assisting Roanoke-area nonprofits, including the Red Cross, with much-needed donations and support to provide more programs and services.

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