Bakersfield Life

Our heroes

larger view

One is a local photographer who rushed into a burning building to save the life of his neighbor. Another is a 9-year-old boy who put a pit bull in a chokehold, holding it down for nearly half an hour, to save his friend from what most likely would have been a fatal attack.

They, along with nine others, are Kern County’s “real heroes.”

The Kern chapter of the American Red Cross recognized these local heroes, chosen from more than 70 nominations, at a reception at the Doubletree Hotel on April 16. Here’s a look at each of those exceptional individuals:

Adult Role Model: George Morse
As a volunteer pilot with Angel Flight, Morse transports patients facing life-threatening illnesses to hospitals and treatment centers throughout the state. Making an average of four flights a month, Morse also covers the transportation costs of each flight.

Morse’s motivation to volunteer boils down to two major forces: his former involvement in the Air Force and his faith. “The basic tenet of the Air Force is service before self. Whether you stay in or get out, you are expected to go out and serve in the community.” And as a Christian, “I am supposed to tithe my time, talents and possessions,” Morse said.

Youth Role Model: Drew Heredia
He may be young, but Drew Heredia proves that heroic acts are not limited by one’s age. When his friend was attacked by a pit bull, Heredia rushed to her aid, grabbing the dog around the neck and putting it into a chokehold so the girl could escape.

“Most people feel this would have been a fatal attack had Drew not been so courageous,” said one his nominators, Matt Baker.

Group Role Model: Preferred Family Care Physicians
This year and last, the Preferred Family Care Physicians staff have given their time and resources at Buttonwillow Elementary School, including donating new backpacks, school supplies and sweatshirts to second-graders at the school and funding a trip to Pioneer Village for those 53 students.

The group also donates items to the Bakersfield Homeless Center and the Jameson Center. And group physician Dr. John Heidrick, who runs a music program, donates the proceeds from his band’s monthly concerts to aid charities.

Educator: Dr. Jess Nieto
A 37-year veteran, Dr. Jess Nieto’s passion for education is evident. In 2005, Nieto created The Chicano Latino Scholastic and Leadership Academy, a program dedicated to teaching college-level students about their heritage and community issues, including poverty, teen pregnancy and high dropout rates among Latino students.
These leadership skills are developed through mentor relationships the students develop with junior high-age students. The program students are also paired with successful Latino professionals who serve in a field the student is interested in pursing.

Firefighter: Don Napier
With the conviction that the Kern County Fire Department’s chaplain program wasn’t doing enough to reach out to the community, Don Napier and a co-worker decided to expand the program in 1989. Now, about 10 other chaplains participate in the program across the county.

Chaplain duties include assisting families with funeral arrangements, praying with them, arranging counseling and performing funeral services.

Law Enforcement: Officer Dennis Eddy
Bakersfield Police Department Officer Dennis Eddy was recognized for his bravery and sacrifice while trying to arrest a parolee suspected of associating with known gang members. After months of surgeries and physical therapy, Eddy returned to full duty in December with a prosthetic leg.

“Officer Eddy demonstrated great personal courage and commitment to protect our community from illegal gang activity by continuing to engage in a life-threatening gunbattle with an armed suspect, despite having been shot multiple times,” said Police Chief Bill Rector, who nominated Eddy for the award.

Law Enforcement: Deputy T.J. Moore
Upon hearing a call from a child reporting that her father had shot her mother and was still armed, sheriff’s Deputy T.J. Moore knew he had to act quickly. He went in without waiting for backup, knowing that the child and her mother were in grave danger. The incident left Deputy Moore with injuries to his face, hands, arms, neck and left eye after the man inside opened fire, officials said.

“I believe Deputy Moore’s valor and courage under fire were extraordinary. He was engaged in a battle for his life and handled it in a way we all hope we would,” said Sheriff Donny Youngblood, who nominated Moore.

Medical: Dr. Ravi Patel
Dr. Ravi Patel, an oncologist at Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center, takes the center’s motto — “changing lives with hope and innovation” — to heart. He is known as a quiet hero, always seeking the best treatments for his patients. For some that may mean looking for new treatments, and for others that may mean simply looking for ways to prolong the patient’s life. But with all patients, there is the understanding that “we will do everything to respect your life and not put you through any suffering if it’s not needed,” he said.

Military: Cpl. Wesley Barrientos
In December 2007, on his third tour in Iraq, Army Cpl. Wesley Barrientos and his unit were on patrol when a roadside bomb exploded. In the explosion, he suffered major damage to both legs. A few months later, he married his sweetheart, Marcela. The pair now have a baby girl.

This was a mission that changed the Ridgeview High School graduate’s life, but it is one he does not regret. His mother, Elubia Barrientos, left her home and job in Bakersfield to care for him.

Heroic Act: Ryan Cunningham
Ryan Cunningham had little time to think when he realized the apartment below his was on fire. But after two attempts, Cunningham was able to rescue his neighbor. Paramedics told him that the woman would not have survived had he not entered the apartment.

“We’re all heroes, but you just have to act,” Cunningham said. “We’re all in need at some point. There’s always the chance to act and improve someone’s life — and your own,” Cunningham encouraged. “And it doesn’t have to be jumping into a burning building.”

Emergency Services: Capt. Rob Custer
As flight operations officer for the Bakersfield squadron of the all-volunteer Civil Air Patrol, Capt. Ron Custer trains others in search procedures, participates in search-and-rescue missions, and is heavily invested in recruitment. It is a community service outlet that he said is always fulfilling. “As anyone in emergency services knows, it takes lots of money and skills to perform in that capacity, and it’s satisfying to apply these and give back,” Custer said.