HYANNIS – Local community members were honored on Friday by the American Red Cross of the Cape, Islands & Southeastern MA, for the extraordinary things they have done.
The 15th Annual Heroes Breakfast was held at The Resort and Conference Center in Hyannis.
Barnstable County Sheriff Jim Cummings was this year’s Honorary Chair and the emcee was Colonel Virginia Doonan who is Commander of the 102nd Intelligence Wing.
Twenty-one heroes took part in the event, including volunteers with the Red Cross, professional and Armed Forces members, those in community service and people who have made a difference in their work with youth and others.
Officer Kevin Chasse with the Fairhaven Police Department was recognized with his colleagues for rescuing a victim stuck in a vehicle underwater.
“It’s tough to say I’m a hero, it is my job every day,” said Chasse. “When you go into action, you don’t think twice, you just do what you got to do if somebody’s life is in jeopardy and so you just got to go in and do what you have to do.”
Kevin Ham is a volunteer with the Red Cross who was thanked for his time helping others in need.
“People need help and I’ll do it until people don’t need help anymore,” said Ham. “I’d love to work myself out of the job, I’d love to not have to do this anymore, but it’s really fulfilling, really rewarding.”
Over 500 people, including local dignitaries, packed the room to recognize the individuals.
State Representative Tim Whelan was impressed to hear some of the stories from those that he said stepped up and went above and beyond.
“It just reinforces my strong belief that down here on the Cape and Islands we have the best community in the Commonwealth,” said Whelan.
Cape and Islands State Senator Julian Cyr echoed those sentiments and added that it was great to celebrate these people who put themselves before others.
“I think it’s nice to have that moment, to be in a room full of Cape Codders and we’re all just focused on honoring the work that these selfless folks do,” said Cyr.
American Red Cross Cape, Islands & Southeastern Massachusetts Executive Director Hilary Greene said that she wanted these special people to be showcased.
“I hope what it does is make them realize that although they may think they’re not a hero or they were just doing their job or what anyone else would do, that they realize by seeing a room full of 500 people, that what they did was extraordinary, no matter what they may think,” said Greene.
Since its inception in 2003, the event honors people that have been made a hero, whether saving a life or enriching and transforming lives.
By JUSTIN SAUNDERS, CapeCod.com Newscenter
