Four Carson Valley residents honored by Red Cross chapter

Staff Reports

Four Carson Valley residents were recognized by the Northern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross on Thursday at the Real Heroes Breakfast in Reno.

Two, 16-year-old Anthony Anderson and East Fork Fire Marshal Steve Eisele, are credited with saving people's lives. One, Cherie Owen established an organization to save animals left with the Douglas County Animal Shelter from euthanization and the fourth, Michael Smith gathered food for Carson Valley charities and donated his time to a variety of causes.

Sixteen-year-old Anthony Anderson, of the Gardnerville Ranchos, pulled his 2-year-old brother, Talin Masters, from a pool on July 25, 2006.

"He was dead in the water, and I helped bring him back to life," Anderson said. "It's pretty cool to be recognized, but I'm just glad he's OK."

Anderson performed CPR on Talin until help arrived. Talin was taken to Carson Valley Medical Center before being taken by Care Flight helicopter to Renown Regional Medical Center. Today, his family said Talin doesn't even recall the incident.

Anderson received a medal of merit and a standing ovation from Douglas County officials on Sept. 7, 2006, for his efforts.

Eisele, a Minden resident and deputy East Fork Fire District Chief, pulled a fellow firefighter out of a burning hole while they were fighting the June 19 Fricke house fire in Centerville. He was also recognized for helping to take a fellow employee to California for treatment of a life-threatening illness.

Owen founded the Douglas Animal Welfare Group in 2000. Since the group's creation, no adaptable animals have been euthanized at the shelter, according to nominator James Joseph.

The group was named service club of the year by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce and The Record-Courier.

Smith collected 5,000 pounds of food for the Carson Valley Community Food Closet in 2006 and donates his time to Cub Scouts and the Washoe Indian Head Start Program.

More than 80 people were nominated in a dozen categories.

-- Jared Shipley of the Nevada Appeal contributed to this report.