Safety Council of Northwest Ohio honors 30 heroes at annual banquet

MAUMEE, Ohio (WTVG) - Thirty people were honored at the Safety Council of Northwest Ohio’s 57th annual Hero Awards Banquet on Thursday for their selfless and life-saving actions.

Among the recipients was Larry Martin, who was recognized for saving a man’s life at a hardware store earlier this year. Another recipient was Horace Oates Jr., who was recognized posthumously for giving his own life to save the lives of his family members.

“This event recognizes these folks in our community who didn’t seek recognition. They acted on behalf of their fellow person when they were in their greatest time of need and saved their life,” said Robert Momany, executive director of the Safety Council of Northwest Ohio.

Three categories of awards were given out during the ceremony: the Hero Award, the Good Samaritan Award and Certificates of Appreciation.

Martin, a cashier at Fessenden Hardware in Swanton, received the Good Samaritan Award for his actions in March. Michael Smith had stopped by the store to pick up a few items. As Martin was helping Smith load up his car with straw, Smith collapsed and went into cardiac arrest.

Martin, who has nearly 30 years of experience in health care, began chest compressions while another employee called 911.

“Presenting the award will be a great honor. I mean, he did the greatest favor anybody could ever do for another person,” Smith said.

“I am not afraid to step in and help, and I think the world needs a little bit more of that; more than anything else,” Martin said.

Marine veteran Horace Oates Jr. was presented with the Hero Award posthumously for the bravery he showed to rescue his family after their home was set on fire in April.

Yvonne Blackwell, Oates’ significant other, said the recognition means a lot to her and her children.

“He didn’t give up on us. He always would fight for us. He was just everything for us,” Blackwell said.

Blackwell said she loves him, misses him and there isn’t a day that goes by where she doesn’t think about the sacrifice he made for their family.

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