Red Cross honors Utah volunteers for service during disasters and emergencies

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

The American Red Cross of Utah honored 35 volunteers for disaster response.
Deborah Hinman and Kathy Allen received the prestigious Clara Barton Honor Award.
Volunteers contributed over 80,000 service hours in 2025 across Utah and nationwide.

SALT LAKE CITY — The American Red Cross of Utah recognized dozens of volunteers Saturday for their service helping communities respond to disasters and emergencies across the state.

During an awards ceremony at the Utah Capitol, Red Cross leaders honored about 35 volunteers who supported relief efforts following wildfires, floods and other emergencies.

"From Beaver, Utah, to Logan, to Midvale, you guys were there," said Heidi Ruster, regional executive for the American Red Cross Utah-Nevada Region. "You guys were there making sure the commitment and the time needed for those that were affected was present and engaged, and done in such a compassionate way."

Among those honored were two recipients of the Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership, one of the organization's highest volunteer recognitions.

Deborah Hinman of the Central and Southern Utah Chapter received the award for helping strengthen disaster response capabilities in central and southern Utah. Kathy Allen of the Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter was recognized for 47 years of service with the Red Cross. Officials said Allen has responded to both local emergencies and national disasters, including relief efforts following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina.

"We truly are a state of service, so just to appreciate the incredible work they've done, the sacrifices that they've made," said Jeremiah LaFranca, executive director of the Greater Salt Lake Chapter. "This year's been incredibly difficult. We've had wildfires throughout the summer where volunteers have been on a constant basis for several months in a row."

The Red Cross said volunteers make up about 90% of its workforce.

In 2025, more than 2,600 Utah volunteers contributed more than 80,000 hours of service in communities across the state and around the country, according to the organization.

2026 American Red Cross of Utah Volunteer Award recipients

Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership

Deborah Hinman, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
Kathy Allen, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Biomedical Achievement Award

Gary B. Norton, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
Brad Anderson, Greater Salt Lake Chapter
Robert and Ora Miller, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Board Member Recognition Award

Mitch Southwick, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
Jeffery Bray, Greater Salt Lake Chapter
Curtis "Brad" Goodwin, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Business Operations Volunteer Award

Robyn Schneider, Greater Salt Lake Chapter

Communications Volunteer Award

Yvon Smith, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
Brian Dabb, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Community Champion Award

Chris Crippen, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
Elise Jensen, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Disaster Preparedness Volunteer Award

Elliott Parkin, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
Tracy Conti, Greater Salt Lake Chapter
Stacie Chidester, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Disaster Response Volunteer Award

Debbie Spoons, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
Stanford Mathews, Greater Salt Lake Chapter
Earl Johnson, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Outstanding Red Cross Club Member of the Year Award

Romney Kenison, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award

Hailey Park, Greater Salt Lake Chapter

Rising Star Volunteer Award

Mike Davis, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
Stella Cianflone, Greater Salt Lake Chapter
Caleb Onoja Akogwu, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer Award

Freddee Downey, Greater Salt Lake Chapter
Michael and Ann Tarancon, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service

Charles Jauch, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
Brent Ahlstrom, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Volunteer Leadership Award

Karen Deines, Central and Southern Utah Chapter
Richard Wong, Greater Salt Lake Chapter
Donna Johnson, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Volunteer Services Volunteer Award

Margaret Stocking, Greater Salt Lake Chapter
Shaelyn Openshaw, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter

Volunteer Workforce Award

Cynthia Hibbs, Central and Southern Utah Chapter

Photos

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Red Cross honors Utah volunteers for service during disasters and emergencies

Posted - Nov. 14, 2026 at 9:44 p.m.

The American Red Cross of Utah recognized dozens of volunteers Saturday for their service helping communities respond to disasters and emergencies across the state. (American Red Cross UT/NV Region)

2026 American Red Cross of Utah Volunteer Award recipients