Real heroes toasted at breakfast by American Red Cross

By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
    PRESQUE ISLE – A number of selfless and courageous individuals were the toast of the town at the 11th annual Real Heroes Breakfast held recently at Northern Maine Community College.
    Hosted by the American Red Cross – Pine Tree Chapter, WAGM-TV 8/Fox 8 and NMCC, the concept for the Real Heroes Breakfast has grown out of a desire to develop an event that is closely related to the mission of the American Red Cross – teaching people how to save lives.
    “The Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager of the American Red Cross. “This is done through the simple, yet powerful process of one person putting their needs aside to help another. Across the nation, over 1 million Red Cross volunteers do this each day.
    “What better way to celebrate this spirit of humanitarianism than by honoring those individuals who have shown courage, kindness, and unselfish character by their act of heroism in Aroostook County,” she said.
    Former WAGM News Director Sue Bernard served as the event’s keynote speaker.
    “I’m surprisingly nervous to be standing here in front of the hometown crowd without a prompter,” said Bernard, who now serves as the communications director of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. “It’s great to be here. Any reason to come home is a good one, and today’s occasion is an especially good reason.”
    Calling Aroostook County “fertile soil for heroes,” Bernard said the beauty of each honoree’s story was that they were each so very different.
    “Young, old, female, male, neighbors, strangers … these stories allow us to identify with one or more of them,” she said, “and whenever we honor heroes, we often imagine ourselves in their position and we’re inspired because maybe, just maybe, the same special quality that we admire in them is alive in us.
    “Some of these folks acted out of love, some out of duty, some compassion and others pure adrenaline, but the common thread in all these instances was that action was taken quickly and unselfishly, and never with the thought of getting recognition or thanks,” said Bernard. “But we are extremely thankful to each of you … not only for what you did to earn this award, but also for reminding the rest of us that, ‘Yes, we, too, can be heroes.’ If you wonder whether or not you have it in you or have the right stuff should the time ever come to be a real hero, please remember this, God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.”
    Many county heroes were acknowledge including a local resident recognized as a 2009 Real Heroes was: David Guiggey of Mars Hill, who received the Valor Award for performing a courageous act of heroism.
    Theron Larkins was driving his girlfriend home in the family SUV Nov. 7, 2008. It was a dark, rainy and foggy evening around 10:30. He missed a turn because he could not see the arrow sign and drove into a deep pond. He tried to open the door, but could not since the water was entering the vehicle too fast. He tried to kick the windows open, but could not. David Guiggey had been standing outside the deck of a friend’s home and saw Larkins drive off the road. He ran to the site to help. Guiggey dove into the frigid water and was able to get the door of the SUV open and helped Larkins and his girlfriend out. If Guiggey had not seen the vehicle and reacted so quickly, the two occupants would likely have drowned.
    The Aroostook County Emergency Management Agency, which received the Extra Mile Award for supporting the mission of the American Red Cross by ensuring Red Cross volunteers and staff are included in all disaster training exercises and have the appropriate tools and supplies that help prepare, prevent, and respond to disasters.
    An Outstanding Community Service Recognition was presented to: Island Falls Emergency Management Agency and Fire/Ambulance Department. Under the leadership of Joshua McNally and Paul Breton, both agencies responded immediately at the first sign of trouble during the 2008 flood. They worked tirelessly day and night, making sure their community’s needs were met – such as housing, food, and clothing and made home rescues. They spent countless hours away from their families while helping those in need.