MARYSVILLE Heroes wanted, apply within.
Thats the message the American Red Cross is trying to get out, as the local chapter wants to find the regular folks who have made an extraordinary difference in their communities.
This is the 12th annual search for Everyday Heroes, who will be honored with an awards breakfast later this year. According to Red Cross development director Kay Ashenfelter, the organization is looking for people who have complimented their mission of helping people prepare for or cope with disasters.
One recent hero took a CPR class just two days before he saved his grandmothers life; another lakeside resident paddled out to rescue three men after their boat capsized.
There are categories for youth, professionals like firefighters and many others, Ashenfelter said, but the common thread among them is that at some point, they made a decision to take that extra step and get involved.
Thats who we are recognizing, people who took that step, Ashefelter said. Its a way for the community to show thanks to these people for what they did.
Past heroes from this area have included Scott Anderson of Marysville. He received a Real Hero Award for pulling a drowning boy from the Stillaguamish River after he was knocked unconscious by a diver who fell on top of him. When the young boy was pulled from the water he was not breathing and had no pulse, so two nurses performed CPR until emergency crews arrived. The boy spent four days in the hospital but went home completely healthy.
Another pair of Marysville heroes included Mike Brown and Chris Nessen. They saved the life of a co-worker at their plumbing supply business by performing CPR.
The nominees must live in Snohomish County or be assigned to a ship or military base in the county, and their heroic deeds must have occurred between Oct. 1, 2006 and Oct. 5, 2007. Nomination forms are available online at www.Snohomishcounty.redcross.org or by calling Ashenfelter at 425-740-2324.