Red Cross honors nine Alaskan heroes

April 07, 2010

D.J. Wassel, the student involved in the car wreck, encouraged people to learn CPR, because it could save someone else's life. (Jason Kohler/KTUU-DT)

by Maria Downey
Tuesday, April 6, 2010

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Selfless, caring and courageous: That's how the Red Cross of Alaska described the nine Alaskans honored Tuesday morning during the annual Real Heroes breakfast.

Krystie Depue of Eagle received the Community Safety Award for her actions during devastating flooding last spring.

"Krystie recognized her community's needs and stepped up to open a shelter for displaced residents and disaster personnel, providing hot meals and a safe place to rest," said Wanda Lewis of BP Alaska.

For their bravery and selfless action, Araya Flowers and Zack Sebwenna were presented with the 2010 Youth Samaritan Award.

The two Service High students interceded to save the life of a fellow student, Lory Miebs, last December. Police say Miebs was stabbed multiple times by an ex-boyfriend on school grounds.

"I'm really happy that she pulled everything through and made it and stuff," Flowers said. "Really happy that she made it. It was amazing; I didn't think she'd make it."

Service High nurse Panna Jarussi received the Medical Rescue Award. In September when a semi crashed into a car driven by Service student D.J. Wassel, Jarussi was helping in an instant.

"The rescue of D.J. demonstrates that the importance of knowing CPR and First Aid at the scene of an accident is critical," she said.

Wassel was critically injured in the crash and hat multiple broken bones, along with lung and head injuries.

"All I did was open his airway; he went from blue to pink in about two seconds. It was great," Jarussi said.

"I'm just thankful that I'm still alive and she saved my life," Wassel said.

The common thread from all of those who spoke about their heroes: Learn life-saving techniques.

"Learn it. Definitely learn it because it could save somebody's life just like me," Wassel said.

Contact Maria Downey at mdowney@ktuu.com

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