20 honored as heroes in Monroe Co. - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

20 honored as heroes in Monroe Co.

20 different people, each have done something to help someone else.

Thursday night the community said "thank you."

It's all part of the Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross's 11th annual Everyday Heroes Event.  Firefighters, sheriff's deputies and even young kids were honored.

"I think it's very nice, but not necessary because we were doing our job," Nancy Brancheau one of the honorees said.

Brancheau and her co-worker Kate Schmus were among the group.  Both are lunch room aides at Temperance Road Elementary School.  In September of last year, they saved a little one's life.

"I thought she was getting sick and then I realized she was coughing and choking," Schmus said.

Both women jumped into action.

Brancheau said she "just saw that she was in trouble and just jumped in to help her."

"I hollered at her to grab her and she gave her the Heimlich and out popped the hot dog," Schmus said remembering that day.

But don't call them heroes.  They say they were simply doing their jobs, helping a student.

Not only does the dinner recognize the courageous actions of others, it also helps the Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross.  In fact, organizers say the ceremony brings in almost $30,000 through ticket sales and sponsors.

"Its one of our major fundraisers," Debbie Davenport with the Red Cross told 13abc.

But leaders say it's more about honoring deserving people found in the community.

"People are just, they're unsung heroes," Davenport said.  "You know that you live among people that would do that."