GALLIPOLIS — They’re your neighbors, friends or even just people you meet in the ordinary course of the day.

On Thursday, 14 of them were recognized as “Everyday Heroes” for exceptional acts of courage, service and caring for their fellow man.

Everyday Heroes was launched this spring by the Gallia County Chapter of the American Red Cross to hail the achievements of residents in different categories. The recipients of the awards, sponsored by several local businesses and organizations, were chosen from community nominations.

Before a packed room at the Gallia County Senior Resource Center, local Red Cross Chairman Tom Childs reflected on the warm response Everyday Heroes generated throughout Gallia.

“My heartfelt thanks to all volunteers who give of their time and talent to the Red Cross,” Childs said. “We plan on this being an annual event, and we are pleased with the turnout.”

With master of ceremonies Josh Fitzpatrick, WSAZ-TV meteorologist, and Bob Hood, director of the Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau taking turns on the presentations, the first set of Everyday Heroes were:

• Law Enforcement Hero — Former Gallipolis City Police Lt. Keith Elliott for continued dedication to protecting and serving the citizens of Gallipolis. Elliott is now with the Ohio Fire Marshal’s office. His award was sponsored by American Electric Power-Gavin.

• Military Hero — Henry Myers for actively participating in numerous veterans’ endeavors and patriotic activities, especially with the Gallia County Veterans Funeral Detail. His award was sponsored by American Legion Post 27.

Unable to attend, Myers’ award was accepted by his wife, Pauline Myers, and daughter, Chris Cozza. In a statement, Myers said it was honor to receive the award. He thanked Bonnie Cargo for nominating him, the selecion committee for accepting him, and the members of the funeral detail.

• Senior Citizen Hero — Jessie Payne for volunteering 23,500 hours to Holzer Medical Center, in addition to her involvement with many community groups, including the Southeastern Ohio Branch of the NAACP. Her award was sponsored by Holzer Clinic.

• Community Hero — David West for coordinating the food pantry at Vinton Baptist Church, which serves many people within the church’s outreach. His award was sponsored by Ohio Valley Bank.

• Fire Hero — Greenfield Township Volunteer Fire Chief Mark Johnson, who conducted wellness checks and assisted township residents during the January 2009 ice storm. His award was sponsored by AEP-Gavin.

• Blood Drive Volunteer Hero — Ellebelle McDonald, who has faithfully assisted with local blood drives for 54 years, and at 94, promoted the drive held Thursday at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Her award was sponsored by Holzer Health Systems.

• Blood Donor Hero — Raymond Weiher, who in a lifetime of giving blood has donated 276 units — that’s 34-1/2 gallons. His award was sponsored by Foodland.

• Youth Hero — Mike Polcyn for “unselfishly (donating) his time to make Christmas special for many children,” by portraying Santa Claus during the holiday season. His award was sponsored by OVB.

• Education Hero — Karen Wright, who has reached beyond the classroom to inspire and touch the lives of her students. She recently retired as a teacher at River Valley Middle School. Her award was sponsored by Gallipolis Career College.

• Good Samaritan Heroes — Alva and Bill McCoy, who expressed concern and provided assistance for a neighbor’s well-being. Their award was sponsored by Wal-Mart.

• Lifesaving Heroes — Gallia County Sheriff’s Deputies Kevin Werry and Scott Darst, State Highway Patrol Trooper Nicholas Hoffman and Gallipolis Volunteer Fire Lt. Brett Saxon for their roles in rescuing a young child from a burning apartment on Jan. 2, 2009.

At the close of presentations, Childs took the podium again to honor Red Cross co-managers Ron and Ollie Paxton for signifcant contributions to the Red Cross.

The “Rollie” Award, as it has been dubbed, will also be presented each year to a volunteer making major contributions to the Red Cross.

The breakfast closed with a musical selection by honoree Mike Polcyn’s wife, Karen, singing “What Can You Say to a Hero?”

Members of the selection committee for Everyday Heroes 2009 were the Rev. Scott Baker, Marianne Campbell, Bob Hood, Lorie Neal and Rita Pauley.