People whose positive actions go far beyond the ordinary warrant particular praise. That’s why the American Red Cross launched what has become an annual tribute to individuals who accomplish the remarkable.

At the Heroes of the Heartland event, Tuesday at Willow Ridge Restaurant and Golf Course, individuals were singled out for recognition as area heroes. This event was a combination recognition luncheon for the honorees and fundraiser for the American Red Cross, Greater Northwest Iowa Area.

This year’s honorees are:

Stacey Agnitsch and Sandi Perry,

Alesia Ridenour,

Team Rescue,

Robin Ulicki,

Mitch Frank and

Cody Harris.

Stacy Agnitsch and Sandi Perry had an ordinary run on the trails of Fort Dodge turn into an opportunity to help on Oct. 18, 2014, when they heard a woman screaming. The pair came to the aid of woman who had been attacked on the Snell-Crawford Trail.

Alesia Ridenour, on March 3, 2014, was working at Fuller Hall Recreation Center in Webster City. She and a partner gave life-saving aid to Tom Boeding who had collapsed while playing racquetball.

Members of the Fort Dodge Fire Department and other rescue personnel on March 20, 2014, were called to the Hydroelectric Dam to rescue two children who had become trapped on the ice.

Webster County Communications 911 dispatcher Robin Ulicki was recognized for her part in helping to save the life of a suicidal armed man on Sept. 18, 2014.

Mitch Frank suffered a severe brain injury in November 2014. He was accidentally struck by a rider while trying to help a young rider who had strayed into the path of another rider at the Gypsum City Off Highway Vehicle Park.

Fort Dodge Police Officer Cody Harris saved the life of 18-month-old Edward Garcia on Dec. 4, 2014, when the child began choking on a grape.

Full details of each awardee’s selfless contributions were published in a special supplement included in Tuesday’s edition of The Messenger.

The Messenger congratulates the award recipients and applauds the Red Cross for sponsoring this excellent awards program.