Event Profile: Red Cross’s Annual Brave Hearts 2018

Type of Job: Commercial Portraits in Studio & Event Photography
Organization: Red Cross
Location: Kohl’s Innovation Center

The American Red Cross of Southeast Wisconsin presents Brave Hearts, the annual event to recognize individuals who have prevented life-threatening situations from occurring, come to the aid of another, or contributed to the safety of our community through a single act or ongoing activity.

The event draws hundreds of corporate and civic leaders, emergency response personnel, and individuals from throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

• Hero of the Year – Jeff Cavett (Greenfield)

Last summer Jeff, a West Allis firefighter, was spending the day on the beach in Manistee, MI with his family. On this particular day, a red flag warning was issued at the beach due to high surf and dangerous currents. Jeff noticed children being engulfed in the massive waves and responded without hesitation, battling the strong current and rapid waves. Pushing through physical and mental exhaustion, Jeff rescued four children. Jeff acted selflessly and because of him, those children are safe and well.

• From the Heart Hero – Alfred Bartelt (Port Washington)

Alfred is a military veteran that spends his time helping others. He is a key supporter of the community through his volunteerism with American Red Cross Blood Services. Not only is he a long-time blood donor, he is also a passionate blood drive coordinator of eight years. Alfred goes above and beyond to ensure each of his blood drives are successful. He does that by personally making calls to current and newly recruited blood donors for each of his drives. He’ll even craft his own yard signs to help raise awareness of the drives. By dedicating his time and unwavering efforts, Alfred has helped provide much needed blood to thousands of patients.

• Youth Hero – Katie Murphy (Menomonee Falls)

Katie is an exemplary student, always paying close attention in her classes — down to the final minutes. During the end of her eighth-grade science class one day, her teacher shared the signs of a heart attack and stroke. A few days later, Katie was at home when she noticed her mother’s speech change. Katie immediately recognized her mother’s mumbled speech as a sign of a stroke and sprang into action to save her mother’s life. If it wasn’t for Katie’s swift response and science class lesson, the outcome could have been different.

• Military Hero – Jasmyne Harris (Milwaukee)

Jasmyne is a United States Army National Guard soldier. On December 7, 2017, Jasmyne was at the O’Hare International Airport and overheard a waitress yelling that a child was choking. Jasmyne immediately responded with the proper strikes to the child’s back and abdominal thrusts, forcing the object out. Thanks to Jasmyne’s training and calm demeaner, she was able to save a child’s life.

• Community Safety, Security and Resiliency Hero – Brittany Sabin (Menomonee Falls)

Brittany spends her days at Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital as a nurse. On February 4, 2017, she was working out at a local health club when she noticed a man collapse. Brittany jumped into action by instructing others to move area machines, so she could immediately begin CPR. Brittany provided CPR until paramedics arrived and because of her prompt action, she saved a man’s life.

• Emergency Response Heroes – Nicholas Reid and Nicholas Schlei (Milwaukee)

On December 26, 2017, two young police officers, Nicholas and Nicholas, known as “The Nick Squad” came upon a vehicle that crashed into a utility pole. The car started erupting into flames and that is when they noticed two unconscious teenage boys within the vehicle. Putting their own safety aside, they rescued the teenagers from the flame engulfed car. These officers are shining examples of selfless heroism.

Learn more about Brave Hearts and the work of the Red Cross here