Staff photo/Christopher BouchardCARIBOU — Hundreds of audience members poured into the Caribou Inn & Convention Center last week, with late guests parking on the grass, to see people in The County who have saved lives and displayed tremendous bravery. These heroic individuals live throughout Aroostook County, and were honored during the May 11 Red Cross Real Heroes Breakfast.
Five Aroostook residents received the Hero Award and four youths received the Young Hero Award during the ceremony. Each recipient has a compelling story in which their quick thinking, compassion, and bravery resulted in a saved life.
Sandy Albair of Caribou was awarded for keeping a man alive at a local store, administering first aid and CPR before the ambulance arrived.
John Tompkins of Easton was recognized for preventing his neighbor from going into hypothermia or shock after his leg became caught underneath a tractor snowblower.
Paul McDonald of New Sweden and David Bouley of New Canada were awarded for freeing a driver who was pinned underneath a tractor.
Jerry Thibeault of Madawaska was honored for reasoning with a suicidal man who was about to jump off a bridge. When the man jumped, Thibeault grabbed his arm and pulled him to safety.
Blake Vincent of Ashland received the Young Hero Award for saving the life of his drowning brother.
Robin Albert of Fort Kent received the Young Hero Award for donating bone marrow to her sister, who was suffering from leukemia.
Tyler Fitzpatrick of Houlton received the Young Hero Award for assisting a friend with a nearly severed foot. Fitzpatrick created a tourniquet out of jackknife and sweatshirt and elevated his friend’s wound until the ambulance arrived.
Archer Noyes of Caribou received the Young Hero Award for knowing how to call for help when his grandfather became violently ill last December.
Staff photo/Christopher BouchardNaomi Rice of Bridgewater received the Young Ambassador Award for donating the entire contents of her piggy bank to the Red Cross last year. Naomi plans on filling up her bank to the brim and donating again this year.
Along with the local heroes, Bill Flagg, director of community relations and development at Cary Medical Center in Caribou, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for over 30 years of service to both Cary as well as the local Chapter of the American Red Cross. Flagg has also served on a myriad of local and state associations from the Kiwanis Club, the Aroostook Council to Prevent Child Abuse, the United Way Board, Maine Public Relations and Marketing Association, and many more.
Flagg has also fought to provide local health care services for veterans in the area.
A surprise award was given to Red Cross Branch Manager Joyce Knorr for her years of service to the Red Cross and Aroostook County. Patricia Murtagh, Red Cross regional CEO, presented Knorr with the award near the event’s conclusion.
“(Joyce Knorr) never refuses to help, she’s been a tireless advocate, assuring that the resources and volunteers are available in Aroostook County and ready to respond whenever they are needed,” said Murtagh. “While she has decided to retire, I know she will always have the Red Cross in her heart.”
Knorr told the audience that her mother grew up in The Depression, and saw what the Red Cross did for many people. Her mother’s positive words on the Red Cross were a big part of Knorr’s inspiration to join the organization.
“I fought hard for this job,” Knorr said. “I practiced for it, and I was very fortunate to be hired to serve the people in Aroostook County. I was amazed when I was hired, and it made my mother so proud. Just doing something for someone else is very fulfilling, so I encourage you to come join us and to be a part of us. Aroostook County is a wonderful place and you couldn’t do any better than to serve your friends and neighbors in their time of need.”
“This is by far the largest event we have had around the state,” Murtagh concluded. “The work we have done up here is truly incredible. The stories here today truly resonated with me and they’re truly moving.”
