Meet our 2005 Heroes

West Salem Neighborhood Association

Although it started and continues as am ambitious and worthy beautification project for the Edgewater District, the West Salem Neighborhood Association's clean up program soon became a catalyst for bringing many people together who might not have otherwise crossed paths.

Recognizing that some of the neighbors were unable to take care of their homes, Associate volunteers took it upon themselves to offer help.  This help included regular lawn and garden care as well as home painting for those who were unable to take on this task.

Through the West Salem Neighborhood Association's selfless efforts to help enhance their community, they have influenced other neighborhoods to improve their homes and yards as well.  This project has created an enhanced level of pride of community in West Salem as well as an ongoing focus on volunteerism that serves to bring neighbors together on a regular basis.  We look forward to seeing the ever-improving West Salem area in times ahead and hear of the valiant effort of its neighbors.

Kyle Cornwell, Preston Daniels, Joshua Sjolander and Quinn Stutheit

Clarence Harris was trapped and unconscious in his burning car.  The Fire Department was on its way but time was running out as the flames roared.  Kyle Cornwell and Joshua Sjolander, first at the scene, worked feverishly to open the car door to free Mr. Harris.  Soon, Office Quinn Stutheit and Preston Daniels joined in the efforts and within a few precious minutes, our four Heroes pulled Mr. Harris to safety.  Office Stutheit stopped passing traffic in a valiant effort to find tools to open the vehicle and a fire extinguisher to diminish the flames.

Taylor Arnsmeir

Like many kids on a summer afternoon, Taylor Arnsmeir and her little sister Zoe were playing games around the house.  That afternoon however, their game had an unexpected ending.  Zoe, always interesting in performing new tricks, told her sister that she could make a quarter disappear, "with no hands."  She was right!

While practicing the trick in the bathroom, Zoe inadvertently inhaled and then lodged the quarter in her windpipe.  Alone in the bathroom, and frightened, she tried and tried to loosen the quarter.  But her efforts only made the situation much worse.

In desperation, she ran to Taylor and with all her might and her face flushed red, she rasped harshly, "I can't breathe!  I can't breathe!"  Taylor first thought she was just pretending but soon it became apparent that Zoe was in real trouble.

Without further thought Taylor tucker herself behind her sister and performed the abdominal thrust.  One, two, three.  Suddenly, although not completely removed, the quarter turned enough so that Zoe could breathe.  Fortunately the girls' mother, Shelley Arnsmeier, was home and soon the family was at the hospital receiving immediate medical attention.

Taylor had known how to help her little sister because she had just attended a Red Cross First Aid program at Gubser Elementary School.  Obviously she had paid attention.

Allen Doty

Even on his days off, Captain Allen Doty has his professional firefighter's ear fine tuned for the sounds of disaster.  As Capt. Doty rolled his trash cans out for Monday's pick up, he though he heard a faint but persistent and familiar sound.  He soon realized that the sound was coming from across the street at the house of his neighbor, John Schaeffer.

Captain Doty crossed the street to investigate and realized that immediate action was required when he saw smoke billowing from the stove and his neighbor lying unconscious but breathing on the floor suffering from diabetic reaction.

Immediately Capt. Doty called his co-workers at the Keizer Fire District who dispatched a fire crew to the scene.  Doty then pulled Schaeffer outside to safety.  To quote John Schaeffer, "I just want people to know what wonderful folds we have at the District.  I'm so lucky and I'm awful proud to have him inn our community.  He is my Hero.  A wonderful person - forever.  Thank you so much Captain Doty.  We all love you."

1042nd Medical Company (Air Ambulance)

Typically, July 4th is a time for celebration, for fireworks, family and friends.  However on July 4th, 2005, an injured climber became stranded on a 70 degree slope at 11,500 feet on Mt. Rainier, fighting winds up to 100 MPH.  A falling sheet of ice had broken the climber's leg.

Back in Salem, the 1042nd Medical Company, a 125 soldier unit was available and ready to go into action.  The 1042nd is the only National Guard Company in the nation that performs aerial rescues. (This year, in June and July alone, the 1042nd has achieved 15 aerial rescuer and, over the last few years, the Company has carried out over 100 life-saving missions throughout Oregon and Washington.)

On this July 4th, the Company knew that with a fuel capacity of only one hour and 55 minutes, and 1 hour and 15 minutes needed to make the trip from Salem to Mt. Rainier and then to the Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis, limitations on the fuel capacity for the Oregon Army National Guard's 1042nd Medical Company Air Ambulance's Black Hawk helicopter allowed only 40 minutes for the rescue team to make the actual rescue.

With superb training, a critical sense of timing, knowledge of tools and medical skills, team collaboration and sheer chutzpah, the Air Ambulance team rappelled 100 feet onto the snowy mountain peak, stabilized the injured hiker and hoisted him aboard the helicopter.  The risks were enormous but there were no alternatives in the minds of the team of the 1042nd Medical Air Ambulance.  Time used for the rescued: 31 minutes.  Time to spare!

To quote their nominator, Major Thomas W. Lingle, "these volunteer soldiers exemplify the dedication to duty inherent in the Guardsmen and women by training on weekends and after work to ensure they are the best at their mission.  This team is extraordinary in their dedication and selfless offer of time and skill."

James Buchholtz and Jason Hickman (not pictured)

At approximately 2:00 A.M. on October 20, 2004, Officers Jason Hickman and James Buchholtz found they were the first on the scene of a three story apartment building fire.  Although they knew the fire department was on its way, it was quickly evident that time was of the essence because people were still inside.

Officers Hickman and Buchholtz dashed inside the burning building to find and then lead residents to safety outside.  Throughout this time Office Hickman was in constant contact with the professional rescue community giving details of the fire that was spreading so fast that people were jumping from the third story to escape.

Soon the fire department arrived and assumed control of the incident.  Late it was confirmed by the Fire Department that the deputies' actions, at the risk of putting their own lives in peril, saved the lives of several people.

Scott A. Smith

After 29 years as a professional firefighter, Scott Smith retired and turned to the Red Cross to help and donate his new found time to help in any way possible.  In the 4 1/2 short years that he has served as a volunteer, Scott has provided inspiration and leadership during emergency response situations at the scene of both local and national disasters.

When not responding to disaster, Scott focuses on preventing it.  He can be found trianing citizens throughout the community in First Aid and CPR.  Because Scott is a strong believer in the value of disaster prevention, he has served as a lead trainer if FEMA's Community Emergency Response TEAM (CERT) program in Polk county.

In addition, Scott has been instrumental in developing programs for local youth with the Muscular  Dystrophy Association as well as the YMCA.  Scott's infectious can-do attitude and widely spread skills have inspired many in the Red Cross as well as the larger community in the Willamette Area.

Scott's mother, Carmen Smith, spent 30 years as a "Grey Lady" volunteer for the Red Cross. She was his first and long-lasting inspiration to become a volunteer for the Red Cross.  Further, his father, Retired Naval Commander Ron Smith, supported veterans under the Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) division of the Red Cross.  Motivated by his work of giving back to the community, Scott gladly continues the family tradition.