As a community leader in emergency preparedness, prevention and response, the American Red Cross honors individuals whose extraordinary acts of courage and kindness make them real heroes. At previous Real Heroes Breakfasts, awards have been presented to children, adults, organizations, civic groups and even animals!

Heroes are selected based on the degree to which their acts of heroism uphold the values of the American Red Cross and leave a lasting and positive impact on the residents of San Diego and Imperial Counties.

Each year we honor local heroes in ten categories: 

• Adult – An adult (18 +) who used lifesaving skills to save or attempt to save the lives of others or has helped to improve the welfare of their community.

• Animal - An animal that has protected a human or another animal in a time of need, or a person who has rescued an animal from a traumatic situation.

• Company – A local business that has administered exceptional safety and preparedness measures to protect staff and prepare for emergencies.

• Fire and Rescue – A professional rescuer (firefighter, EMS personnel, etc.) whose lifesaving action went beyond the scope of his or her job to help another in critical need.

• Law Enforcement - A professional law enforcement officer whose lifesaving action went beyond the scope of his or her job to help another in critical need.

• Media – A reporter, anchor, news station, publication, etc., that went above and beyond to encourage safety and preparedness. 

• Medical – A medical professional whose lifesaving action went beyond the scope of his or her job to help another in critical need.

• Military - A member of the armed forces (active, reserve, retired, commissioned or noncommissioned) whose lifesaving action during active-duty status went beyond the scope of his/her job to help another in critical need or improve the welfare of the military community.

• Youth – A youth (age 17 and under) who has gone to the aid of those in need and/or has helped to improve the welfare of their community.

• Wendell Cutting Humanitarian Award – A person or an organization that is committed to humanitarian aid efforts locally, nationally and internationally.
  

Once we receive all nominations, we invite local community leaders and event sponsors to select a winner for each category.

As a community leader in emergency preparedness, prevention and response, the American Red Cross honors individuals whose extraordinary acts of courage and kindness make them real heroes. At previous Real Heroes Breakfasts, awards have been presented to children, adults, organizations, civic groups and even animals!

Heroes are selected based on the degree to which their acts of heroism uphold the values of the American Red Cross and leave a lasting and positive impact on the residents of San Diego and Imperial Counties.

Each year we honor local heroes in ten categories: 

• Adult – An adult (18 +) who used lifesaving skills to save or attempt to save the lives of others or has helped to improve the welfare of their community.

• Animal - An animal that has protected a human or another animal in a time of need, or a person who has rescued an animal from a traumatic situation.

• Company – A local business that has administered exceptional safety and preparedness measures to protect staff and prepare for emergencies.

• Fire and Rescue – A professional rescuer (firefighter, EMS personnel, etc.) whose lifesaving action went beyond the scope of his or her job to help another in critical need.

• Law Enforcement - A professional law enforcement officer whose lifesaving action went beyond the scope of his or her job to help another in critical need.

• Media – A reporter, anchor, news station, publication, etc., that went above and beyond to encourage safety and preparedness. 

• Medical – A medical professional whose lifesaving action went beyond the scope of his or her job to help another in critical need.

• Military - A member of the armed forces (active, reserve, retired, commissioned or noncommissioned) whose lifesaving action during active-duty status went beyond the scope of his/her job to help another in critical need or improve the welfare of the military community.

• Youth – A youth (age 17 and under) who has gone to the aid of those in need and/or has helped to improve the welfare of their community.

• Wendell Cutting Humanitarian Award – A person or an organization that is committed to humanitarian aid efforts locally, nationally and internationally.
  

Once we receive all nominations, we invite local community leaders and event sponsors to select a winner for each category.