Real Lifesavers

June 26, 2013 at 5:32 a.m. | Updated June 26, 2013 at 5:32 a.m.

Good Samaritan Lifesaver Award recipient Brandon Irwin, center, speaks to the crowd after receiving his award during the American Red Cross Heart of Missouri Chapter Lifesaver Awards on Tuesday afternoon. Irwin, a resident of Callaway County and a member of the road maintenance crew for the Boone County Public Works Department, was nominated for the award for his actions on Feb. 21 when, while operating a snowplow, he observed an ambulance sliding along the road. At the frantic request of the ambulance driver, Irwin used his snowplow to clear a path and lead the emergency vehicle two and a half miles to University Hospital, weaving his way through stalled cars along the way, allowing emergency room doctors to save a heart attack victim who was being transported in the ambulance.
Good Samaritan Lifesaver Award recipient Brandon Irwin, center, speaks to the crowd after receiving his award during the American Red Cross Heart of Missouri Chapter Lifesaver Awards on Tuesday afternoon. Irwin, a resident of Callaway County and a member of the road maintenance crew for the Boone County Public Works Department, was nominated for the award for his actions on Feb. 21 when, while operating a snowplow, he observed an ambulance sliding along the road. At the frantic request of the ambulance driver, Irwin used his snowplow to clear a path and lead the emergency vehicle two and a half miles to University Hospital, weaving his way through stalled cars along the way, allowing emergency room doctors to save a heart attack victim who was being transported in the ambulance.

Ten individuals - nine award winners and the volunteer of the year - were honored Tuesday during the American Red Cross Heart of Missouri Chapter's Lifesaver Awards.

The awards program included a barbecue, entertainment, the chapter's emergency response vehicle, a helicopter and a silent live auction.

Award winners and award sponsors include:

• Cimberly Crafton and Jeff Arnold, employees of Ozark Central Ambulance District, Belle received the EMS Lifesaver Award, which is sponsored by University of Missouri Health Care.

• Steve Barnes, Jefferson City, received the Firefighter Lifesaver Award, which is sponsored by Dollar General.

• Brandon Irwin, Callaway County, received the Good Samaritan Lifesaver Award, which is sponsored by Central Bank, Jefferson Bank and Boone County National Bank

• Jefferson City Police Department Officer Meredith Freidman, Jefferson City, received the Law Enforcement Lifesaver Award, which is sponsored by JCMG Laser and Vein Center

• Dr. Rick Bohon, DDS, Columbia, received the Medical Lifesaver Award, sponsored by US Bank.

• Dwight McDonald, USMC retired, Russellville, received the Military Lifesaver Award, which is sponsored by Center for Pain Management.

• Steve Duncan, Jefferson City, received the Blood Services Lifesaver Award, which is sponsored by StorageMart.

• Charles "Gib" Graham, Mexico, received the Youth Lifesaver Award, which is sponsored by Prison Brews and Brew House Coffee.

• Jerry Carroll, Moberly, received the Jeri Lawson Volunteer of the Year award.

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