Hometown Heroes - A celebration of everyday heroism
Day in and day out ordinary people perform countless acts of heroism, often without giving their extraordinary deeds a second thought. The American Red Cross of Central Maryland is proud to recognize this spirit of humanitarianism every year by honoring individuals and groups who have shown courage, kindness and unselfish character through their acts of heroism. Please meet our heroes….

Adult Good Samaritan Award
Michael Eugene Johnson
Michael Johnson is known throughout his community for quietly working, without accolades, to make sure that everyone is well taken care of. He has started day camps for underprivileged children, fed the hungry, along with many other unsung tasks.

In 2005, Michael went above and beyond giving of himself to his community. That summer he organized neighbors to work with city departments cleaning up trash and gang signs in and around his community. Michael not only assisted in cleaning up the trash but also purchased graffiti removal fluid with his own money.

During the hurricanes of 2005, Michael left his business, home and job to go the Gulf Coast for a month to help the people of Mississippi and Louisiana. When he returned he shared some 1000+ pictures with members of his community and organized groups to send food, clothes and money to assist the communities devastated by the hurricanes.

Later that year, Michael led a campaign to prevent the closure of his former alma mater, Northwestern Senior High. Because of his efforts the school board changed their minds and was taken off the closure list.

Michael’s tireless devotion and commitment to his community has touched the lives of many and has made his community a better place.

Animal Rescue Award
Deborah Baracco, Howard County
As the Administrator of the Howard County Animal Control, Deborah Baracco has a reputation as being dedicated and committed to the welfare of animals. But Deborah has a habit of going beyond what is expected of her to find solutions to problems inherent in the system and implement positive changes.

To her credit, euthanasia rates have dropped due in large part to her aggressive spay/neuter program as well as alliances created with multiple rescue groups that take in specific breeds of animals until they can be adopted. She initiated a new volunteer program and, most recently, created a program called “Share a Life,” that helps out rural communities by transporting dogs to her facility where there is a greater want for animals and they stand a better chance of being adopted .

She has also created a dog-training program and several humane education classes for children--innovative and educational public programs that help adopted pets stay adopted.

Deborah is everyday hero because of her commitment to caring for animals--by teaching her staff, volunteers and the community vital information about animal welfare, and by providing animals with the comfort and protection they need to and experience a better life.

Blood Services Award
Commander Raymond O. Devilbiss Jr., Baltimore City

Commander Devilbiss is known throughout his department as the “blood drive Commander.” Devilbiss has been the blood drive coordinator for the Baltimore City Fire Department for many years where he continually increased the number of donors and units collected well past expectations.

Since taking over, Devilbiss established a recruitment team that has increased the number of blood donors from 20 to 120 at each drive. He also increased the number of drives from two to four so that by the end of 2005, his team had collected 326 donors.

Commander Devilbiss employs novel approaches to attracting donors, including redesigning Engine 414, an ambulance, to look like a kitchen that provides snacks for all who donate and the Red Cross Staff.

Commander Devilbiss' good work, generous donation of time and personal goodwill initiatives makes him a true American Red Cross Hero.

Chairman’s Award
Jim Antonakas

Jim Antonakas truly embodies the spirit of humanitarianism as his efforts during the 2005 hurricane season can certainly attest. Moved by overwhelming compassion for the people he saw suffering during this tragedy, Jim took an unpaid leave-of-absence from his job to become a long-term volunteer in Mississippi. .

Initially Jim was assigned to a demolition crew and then he was put in charge of recruiting volunteers. He also successfully convinced a television station to donate airtime to raise public awareness and recruit volunteers. In fact, while there he did everything from conducting orientations and picking volunteers up from the airport to using his musical talents to lead groups of sorrowful hurricane victims in song as he played his guitar. He also made a deal to play music for an Ocean Springs business and donate that money to Katrina relief.

Jim never once complained about having to spend four months living in a tent and sleeping on an air mattress. He only returned home one time since he left and will not come home permanently until August. He plans to volunteer in the community at that time.

Jim’s courage, compassion, and commitment to service, make him an inspiration to all.

Community Outreach
Sherray Miller

Sherray Miller has been providing much needed comfort and support to underprivileged Marylanders for the past seven years. She blankets the needy with love and attention at a time when they are most vulnerable.

Sherray volunteers extensively at two local shelters and a Baltimore home for girls. In a given year, more than 200 residents of the Annapolis Lighthouse Shelter, Sarah’s House and the Lange center depend upon Sherray’s dedication.

A mainstay at Sarah’s house (a shelter made up mostly of women and children who are victims of abuse, addictions, and poverty), Sherray fixes and hosts holiday meals, BBQ’s, crab feasts and family style dinners for residents. She also provides games for kids and entertainment for adults and, in addition to that, helped raise over $14,000. At the Lighthouse, she fixes evening meals and provides bagged lunches for area working poor who use the Lighthouse services.

In addition to that, Sherray serves as a big sister and mentor at the Lange Center (a residence for homeless girls), holds weekly bake sales for the Salvation Army and, remarkably, holds down a full time job as well.

Sherray is more than an fine example of community outreach, she's a fine example of a hometown hero.

Emergency Medical Services Award
Anne Arundel County Fire Department, Millersville, MD
Every day Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers and fire fighters go to work not knowing what to expect. On a dark night in late November 2001, paramedics and firefighters from the Anne Arundel Fire Department were dispatched for a six-passenger, multiple injury motor vehicle crash. The quick response and superb teamwork, including rapid extrication with spinal precautions in place, was a stellar illustration of the skill and commitment of these dedicated EMS personnel.

Baltimore City Fire Department Firefighter Award
William J. Goodwin Jr., Baltimore City
In 2001, the Baltimore City Fire Department faced one of the most challenging incidents in its history - a train derailment in the Baltimore Tunnel. The most difficult aspect was gaining access to the fire itself, when the exact location could not be determined, under hazardous conditions. Under the leadership of Chief Goodwin, the teams located the train and extinguished the fire.

Healthcare Provider Award
Maryland State Police Aviation Division, Baltimore
The men and women of the Maryland State Police Aviation Division, Baltimore Section, provide airborne transportation and emergency medical care to seriously injured patients. These pilots and medics make the critical difference in the saving of countless lives. By rapid care and transport, patients are seen at the right place within the "Golden Hour" time frame.

Law Enforcement Award
Clarissa Fields, Baltimore City Police Department
A staunch advocate for youth, Officer Fields works with the Police Department's Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program. In this capacity she goes to Baltimore City Public Schools teaching gang resistance techniques and educating students about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. She plays a key role in counseling troubled youth.

Youth Samaritan Award
Solmaz Pirzadeh, Baltimore City
Solmaz Pirzadeh was the driving force in the creation of a new volunteer group at the Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus. Project Prevent is a preventive medicine campaign aimed at helping underserved low-income people obtain needed health care. The free heath care fair she coordinated was attended by 75 people of all ages.

Holocaust Center Award
Baltimore Jewish Times and Baltimore Magazine
Typically, the media is not thought of in the role of hero. But the outstanding reporting of the Baltimore Jewish Times and Baltimore Magazine provided essential information about the American Red Cross Holocaust and War Victims Tracing Center. This coverage was inspiring and invaluable to Holocaust survivors who may ultimately discover the fates of their missing loved ones because they learned about the services of the Center in one of these great community resources.

International Outreach Award
Devanand B. Dwarka - Latinos for Progress, Inc.
Mr. Dwarka is consistently looking for ways to serve the underserved Latino population in the Greater Baltimore Area, especially those who have been victims of neglect and discrimination. Four years ago he founded Latinos for Progress, Inc., a nonprofit advocacy organization. His contributions to the causes of justice, health and better access for immigrants and those who are most at risk have already made a real and lasting difference in the lives of hundreds of people.

About the American Red Cross
The mission of the American Red Cross is to provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. In Central Maryland, the Red Cross provides emergency services for disaster victims, social services for military and their families, blood for area hospitals, disaster preparedness, health and safety training and youth programs. This year the Red Cross has trained over 93,000 people in lifesaving skills such as first aid and CPR, aquatic safety, crime avoidance, and even baby-sitting safety techniques. To learn more call 410-764-7000 or visit www.redcross-cmd.org/Chapter/services.html.