Two Nev. Firefighters Honored with Red Cross Heroes Awards

LAS VEGAS – Two local firefighters were honored with Red Cross Everyday Heroes Awards for their actions in the Southern Nevada community. Las Vegas Local 1285 Firefighter Ron Kline and Henderson Local 1883 Firefighter Robert Uszynski were recognized at the breakfast event at Paris Las Vegas.

Kline was awarded this year’s firefighter award for his work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Each year, Kline helps organize the annual “Fill the Boot” Drive with fellow firefighters. Under Kline’s leadership, Las Vegas firefighters have raised more than $800,000 to donate to the MDA.

Uszynski was awarded this year’s aquatic award after he, and lifeguard Taylor Thompson, saved the life of a three-year-old girl that was found unconscious at a Henderson public pool. Uszynski was off-duty at the pool with his children when he noticed Thompson blow his whistle and dive into the water. After Thompson retrieved the child from the water, Uszynski performed mouth-to-mouth, resuscitating her.

“Each of the heroes recognized today are examples of what makes our community great,” said Scott Emerson, regional CEO of the Southern Nevada Red Cross chapter. “These firefighters are heroes for going to work each day to keep us safe, but they’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty to be an everyday hero.”