Stony Lane Baptist's Rev. Wheeler Honored by Red Cross

Rev. John Wheeler of Stony Lane Baptist Church in North Kingstown was recently honored by the Red Cross for his work with volunteer organizations and disaster relief.

Wheeler, who leads and trains Red Cross volunteer disaster and response teams, was awarded the Spirit of the Red Cross Award by the Red Cross at the organization’s annual Community Heroes of Rhode Island breakfast.

Held on Oct. 24 in Providence, the ceremony recognized Wheeler for his commitment and compassion, which exemplifies the Red Cross’ mission.

Wheeler said he wa “thrilled to be with the Red Cross” because the compassionate “vision statement of the Red Cross is incredible.”

Along with his volunteer work and role at Stony Lane Baptist Church, Wheeler is active with Rhode Island Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster and is a member of the Behavioral Response Team in Rhode Island.

American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter Executive Director Paula Montgomery had praise for all the honorees at the event.

“The people and organizations we honored represent the ideals of public service and compassion that are cornerstones of the Red Cross mission. They have come forward in a range of situations to do what is best or what is needed. We wanted to recognize these leaders and to inspire others to recognize that they have the opportunity to change lives every day,” she said.

The Community Heroes of Rhode Island breakfast is hosted each year by the American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter to recognize people and organizations that go above and beyond the typical in service to others, exemplifying the Red Cross mission. This year’s breakfast was presented by sponsor Webster Bank.

A total of five awards were given. They are:

Lifesaving Hero Award, presented to Tim Crandall, an East Greenwich High School athletic trainer, and members of the East Greenwich Fire Department, who worked together to save the life of a 17 year-old student who collapsed in sudden cardiac arrest. When Anthony Petrone collapsed during a volley ball practice, Crandall rushed to provide CPR and administer a shock with an AED. Members of the East Greenwich Fire Department soon arrived and continued care. Petrone survived. His mother, Keelin Petrone, joined the honorees on stage and thanked Crandall and members of the East Greenwich Fire Department for their roles in saving Anthony Petrone’s life. “Thank you seems so small,” Petrone said, for what Crandall and members of the fire department had done for her son and her family.

Community Resilience Award, presented to the Rhode Island Urban Search and Rescue Task Force, a 72-member volunteer team that trains year ‘round to respond to emergencies in Rhode Island and across the nation. The Task Force was first deployed to help in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and has since helped in numerous disasters including Hurricanes Irene and Sandy and in the wake of significant flooding that struck Rhode Island in 2010. In accepting the award for the team, Rescue Operations Manager John Cagno, Jr., said he was “Humbled to be given the privilege to represent this team... of quiet heroes.”

Military Award, presented to a Warwick family distinguished by their service to military families and the country. Steven and Rosemarie Moretti volunteer with the Family Resource Group serving the 169th Military Police Company of the Rhode Island National Guard. Their work has helped to ease the stress of deployment for members of the military and their families. “We love the soldiers and love supporting their families,” Rosemarie Moretti said.

Also honored was their son, Staff Sergeant Steven Moretti, serving in the same unit. SSG Moretti was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his actions in helping to protect comrades, turn back enemy forces and secure a guard position during an attack on their position in Afghanistan. Jay Ryan, from presenting sponsor Webster Bank, said he was proud to present the awards to “an incredible family that serves in and supports our troops.”

Workplace Hero Award, presented to CVS Health, for its longstanding commitment to Rhode Island and to the Red Cross. CVS Health has supported Red Cross disaster relief efforts locally and across the country and has established a colleague Emergency Response Team to support safety and first aid needs in the workplace. Jennifer Leigh, in Corporate Communications and Community Relations at CVS Health, accepted the award on behalf of the company. She expressed gratitude for the recognition and noted that “in Rhode Island, we have 7,000 CVS Health colleagues who have come together to volunteer for the Red Cross, by creating care kits” provided by the Red Cross to families affected by disasters in communities across the country