2014 Heroes Announced by Red Cross of Southern Utah
Recognition Event to Take Place March 27th in St. George

The 4th annual Southern Utah Heroes recognition event is scheduled for Thursday March 27th at Dixie State University Gardner Center from 11:30am to 1:00pm. St. George Mayor John Pike will be among the presenters and the master of ceremonies will be well known radio personality and Canyon Media Vice President Carl Lamar. This year’s heroes are as follows:

Gerald Schiefer – Lifetime Achievement

Gerald Schiefer is a retired career Naval Senior Executive with 42 years of government service highlighted by many noteworthy professional accomplishments. Included in his long list of achievements, are the Presidential Meritorious and the Presidential Distinguished Senior Service Rank awards given to him by two U.S. Presidents. Gerald was also a pioneer of hot air balloon technology. He currently serves as Volunteer Fire Department Chief and an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician in Pine Valley. “Chief Schief” has had a huge impact on Pine Valley and is engaged in many other volunteer and community service activities. His lifelong contributions and dedication to serving others have not only benefited the community of Pine Valley but the nation as well.

Leslee Henson – Good Samaritan

David and Leslee Henson of St. George were taking one of their routine walks down the sidewalk of Dixie Drive last spring when a car was rear-ended by another vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and run into the couple. David unfortunately died as a result of the accident and Leslee sustained serious multiple injuries. It was suspected that the distracted driver that caused the accident was texting at the time. Since losing her husband and overcoming her own injuries, Leslee has led the campaign to alert the public to distracted driving through the Stop the Text, Stop the Wrecks community awareness program. Her courage and commitment in the face of adversity will ultimately result in saving lives.

Jay Rosenblum – Educator

In 2009 Jay Rosenblum started a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program in SunRiver St. George, an active retirement community. Realizing the community may be without help for at least 72 hours, Jay helped create a disaster plan specifically for SunRiver. There are now 140 active CERT members in SunRiver. He also developed a “train the trainer” program which now has seven instructors. His most significant project was training 15 block leaders that travel house-to-house identifying unique needs of individual residents to better assist them in times of need.
JD Robertson Workplace Safety As Exempt Staff Association President, representing the professional staff of Dixie State University (DSU), JD Robertson spearheaded a program to raise funds from private and institutional donations to purchase and install portable AED equipment and stations throughout the DSU campus. Before this drive, there were only three AEDs on this campus. As a result of his efforts, they now have over 20 AEDs giving ready access to this life saving equipment in just about any area of campus. His effort to save lives will undoubtedly benefit DSU students and staff, as well as countless visitors to the campus.

Jerry Yurek – Community Service
Completing his term as director of Southern Utah Harley Owners Group, Jerry Yurek not only fostered the camaraderie of riding together and ensuing social opportunities, but hosted and coordinated countless fundraising events to benefit the community. Through Jerry’s passionate leadership, the group planned and participated in a wide variety of events benefiting cancer patients, children and families in need. He continues his service to the community to this day, making a difference in the lives of others.

Ron Lewis – Military

Ron Lewis has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the military, serving our country for 27 years, finally retiring as a Naval Captain in 1991. Ron is deeply involved in public outreach and awareness to support the nation’s commitment to honor the promise of leaving no soldier behind. His passion is to ensure America’s unaccounted for military men and women lost in combat are returned home to receive the full military honor they deserve after fighting for the country they loved.

Steve Ikuta – Preparedness

Steve Ikuta is the manager of Intermountain Healthcare’s Southwest Regional Emergency Management Program. Steve’s oversight of this effort has revolutionized emergency preparedness for the healthcare community as well as the community-at-large. Steve serves on numerous committees and is involved in local, regional and state activities. He is one of the most respected preparedness professionals in the state. His leadership of the Active Shooter, Pandemic Outbreak and Mass Casualty exercises involving local emergency personnel and community partners served as a model for the southwest Utah Region.

Jake Probert, Jared Wenn, Ryan Fowles – Young Adult

Southern Utah University (SUU) managerial economics professor Joe Baker had just finished his noon run when he had a heart attack. Coming to his aid were three SUU students Jake Probert, Jared Wenn and Ryan Fowles. They responded independently but performed as a team to save Joe’s life. After checking for and discovering no vital signs Probert began CPR. Fowles came upon the scene and started mouth to mouth breathing. Wenn, a trained emergency medical technician was on campus when he heard the call and rushed over to give aid. Their heroic efforts and teamwork saved Joe Baker’s life

FOR MORE INFORMATION (or photos) CONTACT RICH WOODRUFF 801-707-7535