Topeka's Red Cross honors heroes

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Topeka's Red Cross took time Wednesday to honor heroes.

The group held its annual Tribute to Heroes Lunch., recognizing people for going above and beyond to help others.

Topeka Fire Captain Michael Martin earned "The Gift of Life" Award for organizing the "Battle of the Badges" blood drive between fire and Topeka police.

Shawnee County Appraiser's Office employees Tomlin Robinson and Tanya Biswell received the Good Samaritan Award for realizing a caller was having a stroke.

The Commitment to Community Award went to Sue and Mike Gilmartin. who provide home-cooked meals to Fort Riley soldiers through the Point Man Ministries.

And Eli Saffer received the 'Call to Action' Award for saving his friend Bailey when a tractor rolled on top of her.

"If he didn't spring into action how he did, I definitely would not be here," she said. "He did give me CPR to keep me alive and also multiple other things would have happened if he didn't push me off, didn't give me CPR, didn't keep by airway clear, if he didn't just hold me steady so I wasn't bashing my head into the side of the tractor. There's just multiple things he did to save me that day and I'm forever thankful."

13's Melissa Brunner emceed the lunch, which also raised money to support Red Cross disaster response efforts.