Pioneer Valley Red Cross to award Hometown Heroes

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Pioneer Valley Red Cross will again present Hometown Hero awards the morning of March 28th.

The awards were first presented in conjunction with the 9/11 observance. But they've since taken on a life of their own.

Red Cross Chapter Director Rick Lee told 22News, the recognition of Hometown Heroes has inspired others to acts of heroism. He remembered talking with a Hometown Hero award winner.

Lee recalled, “He said, ‘You know, I used to watch those stories on 22, wondering if it ever came to me, that I had the opportunity, how would I act if I found myself in a situation?’”

This year the Pioneer Valley Red Cross will honor eight people who've either saved lives or made their community a better place to live.