Red Cross heroes come in all sizes and ages, and have one thing in common; each made a life-saving contribution.

Each year the Willamette Chapter of the American Red Cross honors local citizens at the Fred Meyer Stores’ Real Heroes Breakfast. On Saturday, September 10, eight people selected by community leaders from the Marion and Polk County area were honored; heroes like Madeline Massey (right) whose mother collapsed at a grocery store and whose quick response may have saved her life.

Highlights of this program include a surprise visit by Woodburn police chief, Scott Russell who was severely injured in the fatal December 12 bombing of a Woodburn bank which killed two police officers. Red Cross Heroes, Sergeant Nick Wilson (above) and Sergeant John Mikkola, (right) were honored at the breakfast for saving their chief’s life.

Last year the Willamette Chapter responded to 61 local disasters in the two-county area. The event is held each September during National Disaster Preparedness Month and at a time recalling the heroism following the attacks of September 11.

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