CARIBOU, Maine — Those who dared to be more than ordinary over the past year were honored last Wednesday at the Red Cross Annual Real Heroes Breakfast.
For the past 17 years the local chapter of the American Red Cross has taken note of heroic acts that occur throughout Aroostook County.
“Everyday people doing extraordinary things,” Red Cross Regional CEO Patricia Murtagh said. “Heroism is part of our DNA.”
Heroes and local business leaders started their day with plates of ham and eggs before stepping in front of a packed Caribou Inn and Convention Center ballroom for an award ceremony.
Heroes from Fort Kent to Houlton accepted plaques and medals given to them by their business sponsors and paused for a few nice words from Master of Ceremonies WAGM-TV’s Rene Cloukey, “I hope I would have made the same decisions these heroes made,” Cloukey said.
Young Heroes Greg Jellison and Stephanie Parady of Fort Fairfield were honored for the time they’ve spent over the past year helping a classmate who suffers from seizures. They were quick to jump into action whenever their friend needed help.
“I love helping out and I care about others more than myself,” Parady said. “When I see someone in trouble I’m there to help.” Parady is a sophomore and has big plans to someday travel the world to help others in need.
The Red Cross honored Peter Miesburger of Caribou for his countless hours of speaking on behalf of veterans groups and his work on the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery Committee.
Mail carrier Frank Lafave of Limestone was honored for saving the life of an 88-year-old woman who had fallen in her home and spent three days on the floor. Thanks to Lafave’s actions the woman is alive and currently living in a nursing home.
Calvin Jandreau of St. Francis and Steve Rusnack of St. John Plantation helped save the life of a local resident trapped inside a burning car.
Phil and Tyler Corriveau of Fort Kent saved the life of a man who had been trapped under his snowmobile after leaving the trail.
Morgan Dumond of St. Agatha spotted a fire that broke out at the R.F. Chamberland garage and called 9-1-1. As a result of her emergency call she saved the life of a trucker asleep in his rig near the garage.
Young Hero Lucas Gendreau of St. David saved a man who had fallen out of his kayak and into Long Lake. Gendreau hopped onto his Sea-Doo jet boat and rescued the man.
Kristi Herron of Caribou received an Extra Mile Award for her time and dedication as the Caribou Blood Drive Coordinator with American Red Cross Services for the past 17 years. She puts in long hours recruiting donors for area blood drives.
Carrie Dubois Jandreau of St. Francis received an Extra Mile Award for her incredible willingness to help the St. Francis Elementary School stay open. She helps every week with the school’s community meal program, keeps track of the money coming in and makes sure seniors and shut-ins get a hot meal.
Heather Miller of Houlton received an Extra Mile Award for her tireless efforts to help abused and abandoned animals and is a true advocate for the Houlton Humane Society.
Paul Hyslop of Fort Fairfield received an Extra Mile Award for his work through the Aroostook County Meals-on-Wheels program. He gets to know those he helps on a personal basis and makes sure seniors and shut-ins have a nice meal.
The Loring Job Corps Center Honor Guard received an Extra Mile Award for providing thousands of hours of community service and excellence to the needs of County organizations.
Caitlyn Chasse and Madysen Picard of Frenchville received an Extra Mile Award for their fund-raising efforts for a local cat rescue in Fort Kent. They also volunteer at the rescue three times a week by cleaning kennels and playing with the cats.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Dixie Shaw of Presque Isle. If there’s a person in need you can bet Shaw will be there to help. Her work through Catholic Charities has helped put food on the tables and clothes on the backs of many local families.
The American Red Cross Spirit Awards went to Channel X Radio, the Caribou Inn and Convention Center, R.F. Chamberland Inc., the St. Agatha Volunteer Fire Department and the town of St. Agatha.
The mission of the Red Cross is to help others develop a sense of empathy and to teach them how to save lives. The Real Heroes Selection Committee hunts for individuals who show courage, kindness and unselfish character through acts of heroism.
