2013 Real Heroes: Fire Rescue Hero William Melton, Jr.

Each year, the SW Washington Region of the American Red Cross along with local business partners celebrate everyday Real Heroes at a reception and breakfast.

Nominations for Real Heroes are received by the SW Washington Red Cross from people throughout the region. The 2013 Real Heroes were announced during a reception this week and will be honored March 8 at a breakfast in downtown Vancouver. For more information, or to reserve seating at the breakfast, contact the Red Cross offices at 360-693-5821.

Please note that while there is no charge for the breakfast, a donation to the SW Washington Region of the American Red Cross will be requested at the end of the meal.

Our first honoree receives the Fire Rescue Hero award that is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.

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It was 2:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve, 2012.

William Melton, Jr.

Fifteen-year-old William Melton, Jr. was playing video games while the rest of his family slept. Suddenly, the surge protector at his feet became red hot, blew up and seared the wooden floor.

“Mom, get up! Something is wrong with the house!” William yelled. Smoke was spewing profusely and light bulbs were exploding.

Amazingly calm, William called 911 and directed his sister to gather their four pets, put them in the car and stay there with them.

His mother screamed to wake up Bill, Sr., who is a deep sleeper. Bill struggled to consciousness and headed for the circuit breaker to turn off the power.

Everyone had gotten out of the house before the fire department arrived.

Later, William’s dad asked him if he realized he had saved the family, the pets, and the house from burning down. No, William said, it had not sunk in.

Rebekah Nelson of Kaiser Permanente introduces
William Melton, Jr. as the 2013 Fire Rescue Hero.

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 A Red Cross thank-you to:

• William for his heroic efforts to save his family and their pets
• Fred Meyer (Presenting Sponsor)
• Kaiser Permanente (Fire Rescue Hero Award Sponsor)
• iQ Credit Union (Real Heroes Reception Sponsor)
• The Grant House and co-owner/Red Cross Board Member Lynn Rullman for providing appetizers during the Real Heroes reception

About the Real Heroes Breakfast

The Annual Real Heroes breakfast began 16 years ago to recognize those whose actions resulted in saving the lives of others. In addition, it serves as a signature fundraising event for Southwest Washington American Red Cross.

The Real Heroes Breakfast grew out of the desire to develop an event that closely aligns to the Red Cross mission: Saving lives through prevention, preparedness and response.

The program honors ordinary people who have performed extraordinary heroic actions within the communities in Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, Klickitat, Pacific and Wahkiakum counties.

2012 Real Heros: Education Hero

March is Red Cross Month. During this time of celebration, SW Washington Red Cross along with corporate sponsor Fred Meyer, is honoring Real Heros in our region. Today, we salute the recipient of the Education Hero award which is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.

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Heather Stackhouse was working for Hockinson High School as a Para Educator in Leslie Ruby’s classroom.

While having lunch, Leslie choked on a piece of vegetable. Unable to dislodge it by herself, and unable to cough, breathe or speak, Leslie went quickly into a nearby classroom for help.

Knowing she only had seconds to respond, Heather used abdominal thrusts until the object dislodged and flew out of Leslie’s mouth. Thank you, Heather!