Red Cross honors Utah volunteers for service during disasters and emergencies

SALT LAKE CITY — The American Red Cross of Utah recognized dozens of volunteers Saturday for their service helping communities respond to disasters and emergencies across the state.

During an awards ceremony at the Utah Capitol, Red Cross leaders honored about 35 volunteers who supported relief efforts following wildfires, floods and other emergencies.

"From Beaver, Utah, to Logan, to Midvale, you guys were there," said Heidi Ruster, regional executive for the American Red Cross Utah-Nevada Region. "You guys were there making sure the commitment and the time needed for those that were affected was present and engaged, and done in such a compassionate way."

Among those honored were two recipients of the Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership, one of the organization's highest volunteer recognitions.

Deborah Hinman of the Central and Southern Utah Chapter received the award for helping strengthen disaster response capabilities in central and southern Utah. Kathy Allen of the Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter was recognized for 47 years of service with the Red Cross. Officials said Allen has responded to both local emergencies and national disasters, including relief efforts following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina.

"We truly are a state of service, so just to appreciate the incredible work they've done, the sacrifices that they've made," said Jeremiah LaFranca, executive director of the Greater Salt Lake Chapter. "This year's been incredibly difficult. We've had wildfires throughout the summer where volunteers have been on a constant basis for several months in a row."

The Red Cross said volunteers make up about 90% of its workforce.

In 2025, more than 2,600 Utah volunteers contributed more than 80,000 hours of service in communities across the state and around the country, according to the organization.

2026 American Red Cross of Utah Volunteer Award recipients

Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership

• Deborah Hinman, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
• Kathy Allen, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Biomedical Achievement Award

• Gary B. Norton, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
• Brad Anderson, Greater Salt Lake Chapter
• Robert and Ora Miller, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Board Member Recognition Award

• Mitch Southwick, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
• Jeffery Bray, Greater Salt Lake Chapter
• Curtis "Brad" Goodwin, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Business Operations Volunteer Award

• Robyn Schneider, Greater Salt Lake Chapter

Communications Volunteer Award

• Yvon Smith, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
• Brian Dabb, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Community Champion Award

• Chris Crippen, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
• Elise Jensen, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Disaster Preparedness Volunteer Award

• Elliott Parkin, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
• Tracy Conti, Greater Salt Lake Chapter
• Stacie Chidester, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Disaster Response Volunteer Award

• Debbie Spoons, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
• Stanford Mathews, Greater Salt Lake Chapter
• Earl Johnson, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Outstanding Red Cross Club Member of the Year Award

• Romney Kenison, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award

• Hailey Park, Greater Salt Lake Chapter

Rising Star Volunteer Award

• Mike Davis, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
• Stella Cianflone, Greater Salt Lake Chapter
• Caleb Onoja Akogwu, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer Award

• Freddee Downey, Greater Salt Lake Chapter
• Michael and Ann Tarancon, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service

• Charles Jauch, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
• Brent Ahlstrom, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Volunteer Leadership Award

• Karen Deines, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
• Richard Wong, Greater Salt Lake Chapter
• Donna Johnson, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Volunteer Services Volunteer Award

• Margaret Stocking, Greater Salt Lake Chapter
• Shaelyn Openshaw, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Volunteer Workforce Award

• Cynthia Hibbs, Central and Southern Utah Chapter