She’s pretty, still dresses up as a princess but can also handle the stress of a lifesaving rescue or fire. Meet Katelin L., captain of a Tennessee volunteer fire company and substitute teacher. She also portrays Disney princess Elsa for children’s birthday parties and community events. Katelin finds time to “do it all” because she always gives 110 percent. Katelin makes such a positive impact in her community that she was named the February Hero of the Month in California Casualty’s Nominate A Hero program.
California Casualty continues to be heartened by the remarkable men and women who have been honored in the Nominate A Hero program. Each month, a well deserving person receives a $250 gift card and their place on the “Wall of Heroes.” They remind us that heroes come from many different professions and towns across the United States. Instead of masks and capes they wear street clothes and the uniforms of their trade. They are people who put helping others ahead of themselves and their dedication and caring inspires others.
Who are these heroes?
Joe B. is a Southern California firefighter. He volunteered for years before going full-time with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. He worked with San Diego firefighters saving numerous homes and lives during one of the area’s worst wildfire seasons. He sustained injuries during the valiant effort and is now a fire inspector. He was the Hero of the Month for June.
Thomas K. finds new ways to reach students at the Georgia middle school where he teaches. Thomas has taken it upon himself to mentor a special group of 7th graders, giving them life-skills that will help them in the future. Thomas takes them to dinner to teach etiquette techniques, helps the students learn how to correctly put on a tie and has purchased suits for students who have to attend formal functions. “I just do it as my contribution to make our society a better place,” he said. Thomas was May’s Hero of the Month.
April’s Hero was Kentucky State Trooper Todd H., honored for the many ways he gives back to his community. He’s been a judo coach and helped a friend after his house was robbed. Todd not only advised the homeowner on how to preserve the crime scene, but spent over 70 hours of his personal time to investigate and solve the case.
Leslyn W. is a healer. She is known as the person who will stop and give care to a person or a small animal in need. She’s a nurse at an Arizona hospital. She heard a two year old crying during her shift at the intensive care unit. The child had been burned after pulling a pot of coffee from the stove. Even though he wasn’t her patient, she held and rocked him to sleep. Away from the hospital, Leslyn is known for her Wednesday potlucks for friends and family and for keeping track of everyone’s birthday. She also finds time to volunteer at the ARC as a yoga teacher for adults with Down syndrome and autism. She also volunteers at Camp Courage for kids who have survived burns. Leslyn was the March Hero of the Month.
California Casualty’s Social Media Manager Scott Randolph said, “We felt compelled to pass these stories of heroism along and honor the men and women who do extraordinary things every day. We hope more people will show their appreciation for those who are giving so much with the Nominate A Hero program.”
As we paused to celebrate the 4th of July, California Casualty hopes to honor more heroes. If you know a deserving firefighter, nurse, educator, law enforcement officer or first responder working hard to make their community better, share their story at https://nominatemyhero.com, and show the world good men and women do exist.
Your hero could be named the Hero of the Month and receive a $250 gift card and their place on the Wall of Heroes.
It’s just another way California Casualty lives up to the promise that “We protect American heroes.”
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