Hero of the Year Finalists 2014
Voting is now closed for Hero of the Year 2014
Be sure to visit and read through all our Heroes’ pages (see below). Voting is now closed.
Phil Arzen / Austin Smith Hero of the Year Finalist 2014
Corporal Phil Arnzen and Deputy Austin Smith are nominated for their bravery, courage, and for going above the call. Both were dispatched to an accident call to where the vehicle had left the road, overturning into a ditch full of water. One of the occupants from the car was pinned under the vehicle, placing them under water, trying to keep their head above it.
Arnzen and Smith then paged for the local volunteer fire department. With no time to wait for the other medical units to arrive, both officers decided to lift the car off the victim, being only option left to save a life. They were able to lift and move the 2,800 pound vehicle, in fact saving the victim’s life. Corporal Arnzen and Deputy Smith were both awarded a Certificate for Valor and Bravery for their actions.
Traci Smith Hero of the Year Finalist 2014
Traci Smith is as critical care paramedic both at Grinnell Regional Medical Center and with East Poweshiek Ambulance Service where she is also the Director of Operations. Traci joined the ambulance service in 1997, and quickly went on to study to become an EMT, then to further become a paramedic. She teaches CPR classes for businesses and groups who need training and to those who want further mentoring in becoming an EMT like herself.
Friends say Traci is always ready to give a helping hand, whether medical, or someone in just need of a hug. It was mid-November when Traci met Tim and Barb for the first time. Tim collapsed at work and headed to the hospital. This was one of many trips. Tim met Traci, and stayed in communication with the family even after more trips especially through the holidays. Traci kept in contact with Barb throughout the whole experience. Collogues say Traci is one of those people that knows everyone and everyone knows her.
Steve Hromas Hero of the Year Finalist 2014
Some say Steve is just a ‘young pup” as a nurse, and still learning what an impact he has on others. Co-workers say that he takes great pride in teamwork and is the go-to man to help out. Patients of all ages seem to gravitate to his fun personality. He serves as a volunteer staff nurse for Camp Braveheart, a week long camp for YMCA for kids.
He also created and implemented the Friend Advocate Nurse Program, which helps pair a RN with each patient for support, creating a friendly safe connection for the patient. Friends say he often mentions that he wants to be more than average at things. They also say he is the type of person to always be there with staff growing and learning, keeping a positive spin and smiling brightening everyone’s day.
Dustin Reynolds Hero of the Year Finalist 2014
In 2000, Dustin realized he wanted to work in law enforcement, and soon after, he started with the Shasta County Sheriff’s office. He put in his time working with the local jail, and soon made it to patrol.
In October 2010, Mrs. Reynolds received the call no police wife wants: “You need to come to the hospital, there has been an accident.” Dustin was in the hospital receiving 28 staples in his head from a harrowing altercation.
Now that he has recovered, Dustin makes a strong impact on his community. He works as a Detective for the Shasta County Coroner’s Office, and is noted for his ability to offer comfort for other families during tough times in their lives.
Dustin continues to do presentations at local schools, showing children what life is like in law enforcement. He is also very active in coaching youth football.