20th Annual Hometown Heroes AwardsCelebrating 20 Years of Courage at the Hometown Heroes Awards Luncheon
In 2025, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region celebrated the 20th Annual Hometown Heroes Awards Luncheon aborad the Queen Mary, in Long Beach, CA.
For two decades, this inspiring event has honored local individuals who acted with extraordinary courage and compassion in moments of need. Their heroic efforts reflect the humanitarian spirit of the Red Cross mission.
From lifesaving rescues to quiet acts of service, the stories shared at this event are powerful reminders of humanity at its best. Supported by generous corporate and philanthropic sponsors, the luncheon also helps fund the vital work of the Red Cross in our region.
Photo by Jenny Sherman/American Red Cross.
On a Sunday afternoon last October, three Santa Monica residents—Trevor Nichols, Stephanie Inouye and Jeff Jarow—demonstrated quick thinking and bravery when they helped save an elderly neighbor from an apartment fire. Their actions, along with the rapid response of the Santa Monica Fire Department, ensured the safe evacuation of all residents. Nichols, an off-duty paramedic with prior fire training, was attending a nearby block party when he noticed smoke coming from the building. Despite wearing flip-flops, he quickly handed his puppy to his brother and ran toward the fire. Understanding the dangers of smoke inhalation, he crawled under the smoke line—approximately 1.5 feet from the ground—while shouting for the resident to evacuate. Inside the apartment, the elderly woman was attempting to put out the fire and had sustained visible but non-life-threatening burns. Nichols repeatedly asked if children were inside and she confirmed they were not. He urged her to leave the apartment and prevented her from re-entering to retrieve her pets. Firefighters later rescued her four cats. Meanwhile, Inouye and Jarow assisted in getting the resident to safety. Inouye kicked open the apartment door and with Jarow’s help, placed the woman on her back to carry her down the stairs. Jarow, who has a bad back and was unable to lift the woman himself, held onto both Inouye and the resident to ensure they could descend safely. Once outside, neighbors worked together to keep the woman warm. The Santa Monica Fire Department extinguished the flames within eight minutes of arrival. Emergency crews continued to monitor for potential fire extension, and City Building Engineers assessed the damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Fire Prevention officials. The Red Cross recognizes the actions of these three individuals as a remarkable example of community spirit and selflessness. These heroes quick response in a dangerous situation helped ensure that no lives were lost in the fire.