The Knox County Chapter of the American Red Cross honored local heroes Tuesday morning 3/4 at its 12th annual Heroes Breakfast.  Marcy and I were honored in 2010 with the Humanitarian Hero award, so we know how special it is to be nominated and honored by your peers in the community!

There were ten heroes recognized:

Knox County Career Center ROTC instructors Master Sergeant Craig Cox and Colonel Chris Salvucci were named Armed Forces Heroes.

Local resident Carolyn Thompson was named Community Hero for her volunteer efforts to provide Christmas trees for elderly residents in assisted living facilities.

9-year-old Chloe Crawford is the 2014 Youth Hero for her generous donations to the Toys for Tots Program.

Judy and Alan Snode are this year’s Senior Heroes for their giving nature and gracious hearts.  The Snodes volunteer for several community organizations and their church.

This year’s Workplace Heroes are Nathan Brake and Shaune Wylie from Bob Evans, who helped revive a woman who choked and then collapsed last August while eating breakfast in the restaurant.

The Education Hero for 2014 is Bruce Jacklin, who was honored for his many years teaching in the Mount Vernon City Schools and his work in promoting theatre and art in Knox County.

The 2014 Healthcare Hero is Dr. Robert Atwell, who volunteers tirelessly while maintaining his practice.  He has served Kiwanis, the Chamber of Commerce, the Mount Zion Masonic Lodge, and many others.

The Public Service Hero award was given to seven members of the Fredericktown Police, Fire and EMS Departments for their work to rescue a young man who was pinned under a vehicle in December.  The rescue team included Scott Mast, Dwayne Canter, Jason Whaley, Kyle Johnson, Nathan Gerhart, Kathy Miller and Josh Talbott.

The 2014 Agriculture Hero is Dr. Howard Sacks of Kenyon College, who founded the Rural Life Center and has championed local food efforts.

This year’s Humanitarian Heroes are Richard and Joan Stallard, who have dedicated countless hours to making our community a better place.  Joan has worked with New Directions to promote healthy relationships, and Richard has worked with the Owl Creek Conservancy to help conserve farmland and stream lands.

Congratulations to all our local heroes!

-Joe