Everyday Heroes of Lenawee County honored by Catherine Cobb Safe House

ADRIAN — The Catherine Cobb Safe House hosted its eighth annual Everyday Heroes Celebration Event on Nov. 9 at the Adrian Armory Events Center to honor individuals and groups who have shown courage, kindness and unselfish acts of heroism in the Lenawee County community.

The event saluted heroes in 11 categories with 38 award winners.

A Heroes Advisory Committee of 12 community leaders met in early September to select the award winners, a news release said. The committee included committee chairman Lenawee County Sheriff Troy Bevier, Adrian Police Chief Vince Emrick, Addison Fire Chief Dave Aungst, Lenawee Humane Society executive director Marcie Cornell, Pastor Olivia Nickelson of the Family Worship Center, Adrian College employee Jessica Emrick, Siena Heights University Criminal Justice Department director Ellie Teunion-Smith, United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties executive director Laura Schultz Pipis and retired Monroe County Circuit Judge Joseph A. Costello Jr.

A total of 47 nominations were received. The only requirements were that the nominees must be residents of Lenawee County, be employed within Lenawee County or the incidents must have taken place in Lenawee County and the lifesaving acts or events must have occurred in 2022. Lifetime achievement also could be a consideration.

Honorees were presented with certificates and engraved awards from the Catherine Cobb Safe House. They will also receive tributes from U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg’s office and from state Rep. Dale Zorn, state Sen. Joe Bellino Jr. and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

All proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Catherine Cobb Safe House's domestic violence and sexual assault programs, including its trauma-focused residential shelter and non-residential services.

Sponsors of the event were presenting sponsor Comerica Bank Charitable Foundation; VIP sponsors, Midwest Energy & Communications, Kenmer Iott Benz/Auto Owners Insurance, United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties, Wacker Chemical Corp. and ProMedica; friends sponsors, Adrian Steel and Premier Bank; and partner sponsors, Lenco Credit Union, Anderson Development Co., County National Bank and TLC Community Credit Union. Floral centerpieces are donated by Barrett’s Showplace Gardens.

The Catherine Cobb Safe House has been providing services in Lenawee County for more than 39 years and meeting the trauma needs of domestic violence and sexual assault victims. For further information about the Catherine Cobb Safe House, call 517-265-5352, go online to fccsoflenawee.org or visit its Facebook page.

The following award descriptions were provided by the Catherine Cobb Safe House:

Animal Rescue Heroes

Honorees: Shaun Maki and Tecumseh police Sgt. Jeff Wright and Officers Paul Wolf and Tom Gilbert.

At about 6 a.m. Jan. 24, 2022, Maki was getting ready for work when he heard a high-pitched cry and realized that it was a dog in trouble. He decided to call off work and go looking for the dog. It was 12 degrees outside, and after an hour of whimpering the dog had gone silent when Maki arrived at Standish Pond in Tecumseh. Maki walked up to the edge of the water and saw two eyes staring back at him. He tried calling out to the dog, but she couldn’t move because she was covered in ice. Maki called 911, and within 15 minutes Wright, Wolf and Gilbert arrived. Wright slid out on the ice and fell through, which freed the dog and she was able to swim back to shore. They wrapped the dog in a blanket and transported her to Companion Animal Clinic to be evaluated and later returned to her owner who was beyond thankful for everyone who helped save her dog.

Community Hero

Honoree: Rudy Flores.

Flores is a lifelong resident of Adrian who was raised in a family that promoted kindness, caring and hospitality. Those traits along with empathy and his concern for others are what drive him in his daily life. Flores works for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services as the migrant program staff member, which he says is where his heart is. Along with serving the local migrant community, Flores served on the Adrian school board as a trustee from 2017 to 2022. He is also the co-chair of the Southeastern Michigan Migrant Council, and volunteers on the boards of directors for the Rea Literacy Center and ProMedica.

In November of last year, Flores was the recipient of the Michigan Hero Award which was presented to him by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. This award recognizes Michiganders, businesses and nonprofit organizations who are applauded for their commitment to volunteerism, service and philanthropy.

Flores says he will keep working to make a difference and that “when you serve, you don't do it to seek attention. I sometimes don’t know if anyone even pays attention. You just go out and do what you do”.

Educator Hero

Honoree: Ron Schaffner.

Schaffner has spent his entire 28-year teaching career with Clinton Community Schools and developed the district’s first STEM class six years ago with two students. Since then he has been recognized as the Region 2 MiSTEM Educator of the Year and as the Michigan High School Science Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Science Teachers Association. The MSTA award is peer-nominated and recognizes those who model best practices, inspire students, demonstrate innovative teaching strategies, are good role models for students and other teachers, demonstrate leadership, exhibit a passion for science education and have been teaching for a minimum of five years.

According to former Clinton Superintendent Jim Cracraft, Schaffner “creates the hands-on, minds-on atmosphere in which kids can blossom. He builds interest in STEM careers through science-related competitions including the bridge-building competition, the SeaPerch competition and the Michigan Design Council competitions. Ron really pushes that, and so those opportunities for our kids to compete academically really create opportunities for our students and build their interest in possible STEM careers in the future.”

When asked what his favorite thing about being a teacher was, Schaffner answered, “Honestly, I get to work with kids every day. You get to give kids opportunities and experiences that you know they can build on for the rest of their lives.”

According to a Clinton resident who nominated him for this award, “Ron is an inspiration to many and is among the most respected community members in our area.”

Fire Hero

Honoree: Ryan Rank.

Rank retired as the Madison Township fire chief in January 2022. He started his career in the fire/paramedic field while he was still in high school. After graduating, he joined the Palmyra Township Fire Department where he stayed for a few years before joining the Blissfield Township Fire Department until 1996 when he officially joined the Madison Township Fire Department.

In addition to his role as fire chief, Rank was a flight paramedic for 12 years at Mercy Health Life Flight, served as an outreach coordinator and grant administrator for ProMedica Herrick Hospital, and taught EMT classes. During his career, he also started advanced life support ambulance services for Morenci and the surrounding area.

Madison Township’s new fire chief, Nic Wilson, says Rank “has always shown great leadership skills and that he makes sure and trusts in everybody to do their part. And we all trust in him.”

After 30 years in the field, Rank knew it was time to retire and did so with zero regrets. On the off chance that he changes his mind about retiring, he’s keeping all of his licenses up to date.

Youth Good Samaritan Heroes

Honorees: Devin Plemmons and Garnet Potter IV.

Plemmons and Potter, members of the 2022 Siena Heights University lacrosse team, were recognized for their quick response in helping to stop a suspect after he took off on foot during a traffic stop being conducted by an Adrian police officer. The suspect attempted to hide from officers in several yards, even threatening to commit suicide at one point, before he was chased down and tackled by Plemmons and Potter as he was trying to climb a fence. Their immediate reaction to a situation that they just happened to come up on allowed pursuing officers time to reach the suspect before he took off into another yard.

Mental Health Hero

Honoree: Socorro Sevilla.

Sevilla is the founder of Hilltop Counseling specializing in children and young adults especially those from the LGBTQ community. They have over 25 years of experience doing client-centered advocacy work and have demonstrated the ability to foster reliance, self-worth and life skills to gradually increase client independence.

In addition to providing a lifesaving counseling service to the community, they have led the development of Lenawee County’s LGBTQ community organization, the M Society. This organization creates opportunities to create community, support each other, and advance pride in the LGBTQ community.

Sevilla also headed the Pride festival in Lenawee County. This year’s event was well attended and a huge success. Bringing affirming organizations to Lenawee County, Sevilla has likely saved the lives of those who thought they were alone. A sense of belonging and community is among the most important factors in creating resiliency.

Laura Haviland/Human Services Professional

Honoree: Elizabeth Salerno.

For 16 years, Salerno devoted her professional career at Housing Help of Lenawee to raising funding for, advocating for and in general serving homeless individuals in Lenawee County. For her last six years at Housing Help, she was responsible for chairing the Continuum of Care and running the day-to-day operations of the local Housing Assessment and Resource Agency and went far above and beyond the expectations of her role as executive director.

Even after leaving her role at Housing Help, she worked nights and weekends in support of both the interim and new executive director. During this time, she recognized an error that was made and kindly and gently pointed it out and met with the team on a Friday night to help them learn and figure out how to correct the mistake that could have led to a loss of critical funding for homeless individuals and families in Lenawee County.

She cares deeply about people facing housing crisis, and she cares deeply about Housing Help of Lenawee and about the success of those who follow in her footsteps.

In 2022, Salerno received the Norma Dell Courage to Care Award, which is presented by the Continuum of Care annually to those who have made contributions toward alleviating homelessness concerns in Lenawee County. Salerno's commitment to ending homelessness continues as she remains an active member of the county's Continuum of Care.

Law Enforcement Hero

Honoree: Lenawee County Sheriff's Deputy Bill Warner (not present at the ceremony)

On Sept. 8, 2022, Warner was handling an incident in Medina Township when he received information from Detective Kevin Greca that two men with felony warrants were in his area and to watch out for them and their vehicle. Warner located the vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle fled on foot after pulling into a driveway, and Warner remained with the passenger. Warner attempted to identify the passenger several times but remained professional and courteous with him. The passenger eventually moved to the driver’s seat, started the vehicle and drove away through a field. Warner attempted to follow the vehicle but had difficulty due to the conditions of the dirt road.

After a short time, the fleeing vehicle struck another vehicle and overturned into a creek. Warner assessed the situation, noticed the driver was pinned inside the vehicle and immediately called for medical personnel to respond.

As Warner approached the vehicle, which was on the embankment of the stream, it became fully engulfed in fire. Warner put himself at great risk and danger by rushing to the vehicle without hesitation. Warner became submerged in the stream for a brief moment but continued to work to free the driver. He struggled to free the driver for over a minute and a half. During this time, the vehicle was fully engulfed in fire and the heat was almost unbearable. As the driver was freed from the vehicle, it was apparent that his clothes were on fire. Warner was able to free the entrapped driver and move him into the river to put out the fire on his clothing. Warner then moved the driver further away from the vehicle in the event the vehicle fire spread or worsened. Warner remained with the driver, continuing to drag him further and further away from the burning vehicle, until medical personnel arrived on the scene.

In the course of this event, Warner himself suffered a medical emergency. He refused medical aid to himself until the driver was tended to. Several members of the sheriff's office's detective bureau, road patrol and command staff were on the scene after Warner completed his heroic act.

Warner’s actions were exceptionally meritorious and he showed exemplary courage. He put himself at great risk and danger to rescue the trapped driver. Warner’s actions saved the life of the driver. Had he not acted the way he did, the driver would not have been able to free himself and would not have survived the burning vehicle. The driver was released to medical personnel for treatment while he was alert and conscious.

Medical Professional Hero

Honoree: Danielle Ward.

Ward has been an integral part of the ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital emergency room team since her arrival on the unit. Throughout the pandemic she has not only stepped up to the plate, she reinvented it. Ward has created innumerable resources for the staff of the ER to aid in placement of mental health patients and other patients with SDOH (social determinants of health). Ward did this out of the kindness of her own heart and to aid her coworkers in providing the best care possible.

That is only the tip of the iceberg with Danielle. Not only is she the ER social worker and care navigator, she is also the tech when the nurses need one. She is the housekeeper cleaning rooms when needed. She is the support system when the nurses need it. She will cry with them when they're having a tough situation. She will help turn a large patient and help clean their bottom without hesitation. She will even assist with answering call lights. She does this all without hesitation or a thank you. She does it because that's what the patients need.

Recently, a pediatric patient who did not have a home to go to was in the ER for approaching one month. Ward worked tirelessly, searching available resources — and those that may not be available — to find the patient a safe disposition. She pulled just about every administrator, leader and community agency in to assist with this patient's care. She did this on her own without prompting. This is what she does. She refuses to take no for an answer. If she has a patient in need, she will get them the care they need.

Ward has taken a huge emotional blow from the pandemic and the patients' needs. She takes patients' needs personally. She will choke back the tears to continue to fight for the patients. She does this with a smile on her face.

Ward leaves a lasting impression on the hearts of the staff and patients alike. Patients will request to talk to her by name once they walk in the ER doors. She has made the ER a safe place for the patients, especially the most vulnerable. She is the mom to the unit and the mom to the patients. Patients tell her about their situations, the triumphs and their tribulations. They feel like she always has their back and will always support them.

No matter if it's a patient now or before, the ER staff can go to Ward via email, message or a note. She will always follow up on it. She will make sure the patients are tended to, no matter the cost. If it means taking $5 out of her own pocket, she will do it. The patients are the reason she is here. She displays this day in and day out.

Ward has no schedule for her patients. 24 hours a day, seven days a week, she wants the ER staff to contact her with any emergency. She is always available to help. If a patient is in need, she is always there.

Military Hero

Honoree: Austin See

See is being recognized for not only serving his country for six years in the Marine Corps, but for his current work serving other veterans. See started the Lenawee County Veterans Coalition in 2022 in hopes of offering support and resources to local veterans in an attempt to reduce veteran suicide rates.

See, who suffered from a deep depression for many years after returning from the service, understands firsthand the struggles some vets have with seeking help and support from others. See reported that when he returned from the Marine Corps he felt lost. He didn’t have anyone to tell him to get up in the morning, when to exercise or brush his teeth. He had lost that family and as a result of the loneliness he turned to alcohol and distanced himself from people in his life. He later realized that he needed to do something with his life and to do so because of those friends who didn’t make it. He believes that with support his depression would not have lasted as long as it did.

He hopes that the coalition can connect veterans to resources and supports so that they don’t feel like they are alone. By taking away the stigma associated with receiving help and support, he believes he can make a difference in the lives of others and reduce the suicide rates and additional mental health struggles of local veterans.

Riverview Terrace Heroes

Honorees: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lenawee County Department on Aging, Housing Help of Lenawee, Share the Warmth, United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties, Lenawee Community Foundation, Lenawee Transportation/Dial-A-Ride, Community Action Agency, Lenawee Community Mental Health Authority, WellWise (formerly Region 2 Area Agency on Aging), Lenawee County Emergency Management, Adrian Fire Department, Adrian Police Department, city of Adrian, Continuum of Care task force, Disability Connections, Lenawee Humane Society, Housing Choices, Salvation Army, Siena Heights University and Adrian College athletics, and Adrian Morning Rotary Club.

On July 25, this group was tasked with responding to an emergency evacuation order of the Riverview Terrace apartment building, which is a 163-unit, high-rise building that houses seniors and people with disabilities.

Immediate response by the city of Adrian and the Lenawee County Emergency Management team led to an action plan and urgent phone calls being made. What started as a temporary evacuation quickly turned into a long-term displacement for those residents whom this group needed to figure out how to support and find resources for.

Once all of the residents were temporarily relocated to the Piotter Center and eventually Splash Universe in Dundee for a week and then back to the transitional shelter secured via the Adrian Inn, this group then got to work on figuring out what the next steps were to find longer-term housing and to meet the varying level of needs that came up.

This group worked together to provide transportation back and forth from Adrian to Dundee, delivered meals and medications, collected donations and financial contributions from concerned community members, called apartment complexes in the surrounding counties to see who had availability (only a few units were located within the state and many residents left the area or even the state), offered emotional support and case management services, advocated for housing vouchers and motel funds to be allocated and extended, sheltered pets, packed up belongings, and helped relocate those who found alternative, safe housing.

Eventually, the 60-70 residents left at the Adrian Inn settled into a more normalized situation, but the displacement trauma still lingers today. Continuum of Care partners, many of whom are represented here, met the immediate needs of the Riverview Terrace residents and continued to provide support as needs arose in the past year.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Everyday Heroes of Lenawee County honored by Catherine Cobb Safe House