Red Cross names 3 from South Co. as 'Real Heroes'

LUKE FORD

ADAM DEEM & L'IL SMOKEY

Three South County residents were honored as heroes at the 6th Annual Red Cross Real Heroes Breakfast on Sept. 16.

The event was a tribute to the men and women in our community who have acted courageously on behalf of another.

"Everyone got a plaque and will receive a certificate from California State Assembly Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa and California State Senator Samuel Aanestad," said Red Cross chapter director Jim Dahl.

The heroes were selected by public nomination. Among the ten winners included Fire Rescue Hero Adam Deem, Family Hero Luke Ford and Animal Rescue Hero Chic Miller.

Fire Rescue Hero Adam Deem

Adam Deem, Anderson, a forester with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's California Northern Regional Office, rescued a bear cub from the Moon Fire in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

On July 17, 2008, Deem encountered a small bear cub faltering down a trail. Deem searched the area in vain for the cub's mother and eventually wrapped the cub in his jacket and drove to the nearest fire-fighting staging area. The cub had serious burns to all four paws and an eye injury.

Thanks to the Fire Rescue Hero, the bear cub is on the road to recovery.

Family Hero Luke Ford

Luke Ford, Happy Valley, knew the advantages of getting his boys involved in a soccer program. But to he and his wife's surprise, their was neither a program nor a coach unless they volunteered.

Luke and his wife bought books and learned the game as they developed a soccer team. Luke worked with his sons and others to develop their soccer skills and soon became not only a coach but a role model for the youth in the community.

Luke also headed a soccer program for physically and mentally challenged youth. He has grown the program from 11 to 40 youth playing soccer in 2008.

Animal Rescue Hero Chic Miller

Chic Miller and her husband Bob, of Bella Vista Farms in Cottonwood, have devoted their lives to the care and safety of animals.

In many cases, these animals come to them as abandoned strays. They receive no public funding, but manage through donations and Chic's resourcefulness. She runs yard sales, sells shaved ice from a booth at events, and puts on petting zoos and pony parties at children's parties.

She also teaches animal care to children at numerous elementary schools throughout the area. During the recent fires, Chic provided refuge for people in need of a place for their animals.