The American Red Cross-Utah Region

The St. George Heroes Event is next week! Check out our featured Southern Utah Heroes for today..

 

 

Tuesday, May 3, 2011 | 12:00 p.m.

 

Kenneth Gardner Center

Dixie State College

225 South 700 East

Saint George, UT 84770

 

Lifetime Hero: Richard Leavitt has been described as one of the most generous people you will meet in a lifetime.  He continually gives both time and talent as a volunteer to the Washington County Search and Rescue team, serving as leader of the county's high-angle rescue team.  The often daring rescues in the challenging Red Rock terrain of southern Utah draw national attention, but Richard views the rescue business as just another “day on the job”, and a simple thank you is sufficient attention and acknowledgment of his effort.   We disagree with such modesty and propose that the world is a far better place because of Richard Leavitt.

Youth Good Samaritan: As President of the Dixie Rural Health Scholars Club, Austin Cope, a pre-med student at Dixie State College led the effort to raise more than $6,000 to provide emergency preparedness kits to Washington County School District supplying nearly 1,000 school rooms. The seven-month fundraising effort was highlighted by a benefit concert featuring renowned classical pianist and composer Jon Schmidt. The emergency packs, which are essentially easy-to-grab backpacks or buckets, compliment the First-Aid training teachers receive and as a result can help save lives.  Austin saw a need in the community and fulfilled it.

Law Enforcement Hero: Sergeant Ted Barnard and Detective Rod Willis with Special Recognition to Kane County Sheriff’s Office.  In the ensuing gun battle, shots were fired fatally wounding Deputy Brian Harris. Despite tremendous personal risk, both men remained with their fallen comrade with disregard for their personal safety. As bullets continued flying the officers stayed on scene until they could be air lifted out.  At such close range it is only the bravery of these men that kept fatalities to a minimum, although even one life lost in the line of duty is a terrible tragedy. Sergeant Barnard and Detective Willis, with the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, were on scene backing up fellow officers who were pursuing a burglary suspect.