The Inland Northwest chapter of the American Red Cross recognized heroes of Whitman County on Thursday night at the Schweitzer Event Center. Lisa Jones, Whitman County Health and Safety Services coordinator, said she was excited that the Hometown Heroes event had doubled in size since last year.

“We sort of tested the waters at our first hero event, which was last fall,” she said. “This is our first time hosting it in Schweitzer, and I’m pleased to see such a great number of guests.” Jones has been with the Red Cross for 14 months and is a graduate of Central Washington University. “Our premise is to raise awareness about disaster services,” she said. “We rely on community funding. We do not get federal funding, which I think a lot of people don’t realize. She said all money dedicated to the chapter stays local, so it’s a great way to give back to the community.

Guests were given name tags and assigned dinner tables for the event. The table that donated the most money by the end of the night was rewarded with $400 worth of wine from table sponsor Merry Cellars Winery. The program began as dinner was served. In the opening, freshman music major Kaela Strieck sang the national anthem. Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson and Disaster Service Volunteer Scott Bergstedt welcomed guests. Awards followed. Awards recipients included Public Service Hero Danielle Peck, Humanitarian Adult Hero recipients Jennifer Jensen, Marla Barnes, Gail Gearhiser and Humanitarian Youth Hero Bree Daughtery.

Peck said she has instructed many people in CPR classes at WSU.

“My favorite thing about teaching CPR is to know that I am giving someone the skills they need to save a life,” she said. “When people come out of the classes, I want them to know how valuable these skills are – and how life-changing they might perhaps come to be when faced in a life-threatening situation.” John Harvey, a Pullman resident, gave a testimonial about how the American Red Cross has made a difference in his family’s lives. He said his family’s home caught fire one night while he was away from home. The family dog rescued his wife and children. “At first, our border collie just kept jumping up and down from the bed as my wife was sleeping,” he said. “She told me that when the dog started grabbing her by the nightgown, trying to drag her out of bed, she knew that something must have been seriously wrong. When she opened the bedroom door, the hall was filled with smoke.” Harvey said the Red Cross helped out immensely with the situation.

“Our dog lost his life to save my family,” he said. “The American Red Cross arrived at the scene with great speed performing their various procedures to support us through our loss, and they deserve special thanks for all that they do.”