Heroes are all around us.

They live and work right here in Western Pennsylvania. Ordinary people—like the ones right here in Bridgeville, Collier, Heidelberg and Scott—perform extraordinary deeds on a daily basis, however, these individuals often do not receive recognition for their noble deeds.

However, the American Red Cross wants to applaud these courageous individuals by officially proclaiming them heroes at the fourth annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast, to be held in Pittsburgh later this year. 

The Red Cross is asking community members to nominate heroes. Individuals who have performed a heroic act—such as saving lives during an emergency or supporting disaster preparedness in their communities—between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012 are eligible to be nominated. 

This year, heroes will be honored in seven award categories:

• Educator
• Professional responder
• Military
• Medical Professional
• Youth
• Good samaritan
• Lifetime commitment to the Red Cross

Nominations must be received by July 15.

To nominate a hero, for detailed category criteria or for more information, visit the Red Cross website here. 

Editor's Note: Former Cecil and Peters Township police officer James Kuzak Jr., who was shot while responding to call, was one of the heroes honored last year. To read that story, click here. A nomination form is attached to this story as a PDF for your convenience.