Veterinarian Grant Miller distinctly remembers when he decided to launch a non-profit rescue group to help abused and neglected horses.
In 1999 he found himself standing in the dark next to a critically sick horse. His heart sank when he realized his only option was euthanasia.
"I was the last thing standing between the horse and his fate," Miller said. "The law is where the rubber meets the road. So I vowed to work with law enforcement and animal control in the future."
Miller is one of a dozen honorees in 10 categories chosen for the American Red Cross Sonoma & Mendocino Counties annual Real Heroes breakfast at the Doubletree Hotel in Rohnert Park on Wednesday.
Miller will be recognized for founding CHANGE (Coins to Help Abandoned and Neglected Equines), which uses community donations to house, feed and rehabilitate neglected horses. He also has become an expert witness in animal abuse cases and helps train animal control personnel.
"I grew up with horses. Horses made me the person I am," Miller said. "Horses taught me patience, compassion and loyalty. Helping them is what I'm here to do."
Honorees fall into categories of service and include people of all ages and a wide range of occupations. They include:
Good Samaritan, youth: 12-year-old Gabe Ferrick sought the help of his rabbi to help children living in a refugee camp in Chad. Ferrick started his own "Backpack Project" through Jewish World Watch, and has raised nearly $16,000 to fill 450 backpacks with school supplies, hygiene items and shoes for children.
Good Samaritan, adult: Don Lambertz was enjoying a walk in Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa when Casa Grande cross-country coach Carl Triola suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Lambertz was the first bystander to act, performing CPR with assistance from retired cardiac nurse Sharon Root, saving Triola's life.
Good Samaritan, senior: General contractor Frank Fanto has been taking groups of Mendocino High School students to New Orleans since the devastation by Hurricane Katrina. They help repair buildings and restore parks.
Law enforcement: Truckee Police Chief Nick Sensely, a former Santa Rosa police officer, has dedicated his time to combating human trafficking since 2001, fighting those who force women and children into prostitution and who keep immigrants in slavery.
Education: For more than 20 years, Chris White, vice principal of Montgomery High in Santa Rosa, has helped students and co-workers with his compassionate and optimistic spirit.
Medical: Dr. Mark Netherda and his wife Paula, a nurse, provide medical care for those suffering from HIV/AIDS. In 2006 they and their three children spent a year in Namibia where Dr. Netherda trained local physicians on HIV treatment.
Military: Army Captain Nick Countouriotis was serving his second tour in Iraq when his team was ambushed. While taking cover, he saw a wounded Iraqi soldier and ran to help him to safety, exposing himself to enemy fire. Countouriotis was struck by a bullet that broke his arm. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and combat heroism.
Rescue: Sonoma County Sheriff's Department Deputy Debbie Little and helicopter pilot Paul Bradley in August rescued a 60-year old man and his dog stranded half-way down a 300-foot cliff in Jenner. Little and Bradley, alongside paramedic Sean Cotton, performed a long-line night rescue to lift the man and his small dog to safety.
Environment: For the past 18 years, Sally and Keary Sorenson have dedicated themselves to environmental activism, working to clean up Sonoma County beaches.
To learn more about Real Heroes, go to www.arcsm/org/heroes or call Sharon Kruschen at 577-7619.
You can reach Staff Writer Rayne Wolfe at 521-5240 or rayne.wolfe@pressdemocrat.com.
