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Lifesaving Heroes
Awarded to people who have used CPR to save someone’s life
- Kathy Ringenberg (Peoria)
On Dec. 12, 2008, Kathryn Ringenberg was at a high school wrestling match, watching the action unfold from the bleachers, when she witnessed the unimaginable. Mid-match, Woodruff High School wrestler Brandon Sanders dropped to the mat. His breaths became short and fast -- like “a fish out of water.” Kathy, a District 150 nurse, gave him CPR and helped save his life. - Phil Hornung (Peoria) and Len Jatkowski (Peoria Heights)
Len and Phil are used to making the news — literally. As employees of the Journal Star, their jobs involve producing and distributing central Illinois’ largest daily newspaper. But on Jan. 13, 2009, the duo made headlines by saving co-worker Jeff Gordon’s life during a cardiac crisis in the press building. - Denise Enlow, Lisa Lee and Jerry Lee (all of Washington)
On Jan. 21, 2009, Gene Carroll of Pekin collapsed during an eighth-grade basketball game at Beverly Manor School in Washington. This trio of heroes rushed to his side and gave him CPR. An automated external defibrillator was brought, and two life-saving shocks were given. - Janet Riley (Peoria), Judy Barrick (Washington) and Karyn Dean (Pekin)
Peoria Public School teacher Michelle Webb had a remarkable year. The third grade teacher at Harrison Primary celebrated her 20-year anniversary with her husband, Greg, on Sept. 9, 2009. Two days later, she collapsed in her classroom. Fellow teachers Janet and Judy were in a nearby classroom, and they performed CPR. Karyn, a school nurse, brought the AED and gave Webb two shocks.
Good Citizen Heroes
Awarded for displaying dedication to a greater cause
- Bart Rose, Mario Martinez and Michael Lintner (all of Peoria)
These three students at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOMP) formed a community outreach program called "Health Education Awareness and Resources Teams" (HEARTs) to connect with Peoria’s underserved population. HEARTs has quickly become a success at the UICOMP, even though it is an extracurricular activity that carries no pay and no course credit.
Youth Hero
Awarded to someone under 18 for showing bravery or dedication
- Michael Gordon (Forest City)
After getting suspended from school, Gordon was home watching TV and saw a news program about children who had started a blanket drive for the less fortunate. Inspired, the Midwest Central Middle School student started his own program, called "Blankets of Joy." He collected more than 500 blankets to hand out to Mason County families during the 2009 holiday season. He is now 12 and in sixth grade.
Public Safety Hero
Awarded to someone in uniform for going beyond the call of duty
- Ron Hawotte Jr. (Peoria)
Throughout Ron's 20-year career as a Peoria firefighter, he has repeatedly gone above and beyond the work expected of him: Checking in on elderly neighbors. Helping disaster victims restore their homes. Teaching fire safety to children. And even saving a young boy's life at a funeral.