Two Nevada IAFF members — Las Vegas, NV Local 1285 member Ron Kline and Henderson, NV Local 1883 member Robert Uszynski — were honored with the Red Cross Everyday Heroes Awards for going above and beyond for their community.Kline was awarded for his work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). “I was inspired to become involved with MDA as soon as I became a fire fighter 13 years ago and, eventually, I became the boot drive coordinator,” says Kline. “Just in the last 12 years, our local has raised more than $800,000.”
His local, Las Vegas Local 1285, is now on target to increase annual totals because the City has agreed to once again allow members to collect from intersections. Years ago, the City, citing safety concerns, told fire fighters they could only conduct boot drives in front of stores. But, Local 1285 submitted a safety plan and the City reversed its decision.
“Because of our new collection ability, we were able to raise $82,000, which is more than three times what we raised the previous year,” says Kline.
Henderson, NV Local 1883 member Uszynski was awarded this year’s aquatic award after he and lifeguard Taylor Thompson saved the life of a three-year-old girl found unconscious at a public pool.
“I just happened to be there with my family when I saw Thompson jump in and pull her to the side of the pool,” says Uszynski. “She was blue and not breathing, so I initiated CPR. She was coming around before the ambulance arrived. I was glad to be there to help.”
The Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross presents Everyday Hero awards every year to members of the community who work hard to make their community better.
