SALT LAKE CITY — ­ Every year, the American Red Cross honors community members who have demonstrated heroism or exceptional service through extraordinary acts of courage and kindness or servitude. The Red Cross is currently accepting nominations for several categories in Southern Utah and would like the public’s help in identifying and nominating these individuals.

Open categories and descriptions are as follows:

• Educator | An individual or group that created a new program, provided courses that have had impact for many years or did something special to educate others in safety or preparedness
• Family | A family member who did something extraordinary or significant to help a fellow family member
• First responder | An emergency first responder who courageously went above and beyond the call of duty in the course of their job or while off duty
• Good samaritan | An adult who used their knowledge in preparedness, prevention or safety to save a life, prevent an injury or respond to an emergency
• International | An individual or individuals who support a specific need, aligned with one or more of the Red Cross principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality
• Military | An off­-duty service member, veteran or military service family member who expended significant personal effort to help others
• Preparedness | An organization or individual providing a safer environment through safety training and preparedness in the workplace, at home or community at large
• Youth or young adult | Someone in this age group who used knowledge in preparedness, safety or who identifies a specific community need to help others save a life, prevent an injury or respond to emergency

Nomination guidelines

Nominees must live in the state of Utah, preferably in Southern Utah. Heroic or exceptional act of service must have taken place between Nov. 1, 2014, through Nov. 30, 2015.

Nominees, if selected, along with nominator or person saved, must agree to have their story videotaped in January prior to an event held in their honor in April.

Nominees must be able to attend the event in St. George, April 7, 2016. Nominate a hero online. Nominations will be accepted through the end of November. For sponsorship information, contact Margie Woodruff at 801­-323-­7015 or by email.

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