Six months to the day after Steve Vogt saved his son’s life, he stood at the front of a classroom, ready to teach others the same skills he used in February.

However, he never got the opportunity. Within moments of his arrival, Steve’s class preparation was interrupted by a group of his friends, family and co-workers all eager to recognize his actions that scary February night.

Everyone in the room knew the story of Steve’s quick thinking, and how he used CPR to save his 16-year-old son Tyler’s life when he collapsed in the kitchen. Steve had even trained many of them to use CPR, just in case Tyler would ever need it again.

Now, though, they were here to see Steve recognized with a National Award, the Certificate of Merit and a commendation from Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas. Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin Regional CEO Patty Flowers did the honors, presenting Steve with an award that had only been given to 12,000 recipients in the last 100 years.

“Your story is the reason we do what we do,” Flowers said. “We are proud to present you with the Certificate of Merit.”

The Certificate of Merit is a national Red Cross honor bestowed on those select few across our country who have used their training to save another’s life. In addition to receiving a medal, each recipient receives a certificate signed the National Red Cross Chairman and the President of the United States.

The American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin relies on donations of time and money so they can provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies in Dodge, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth and Waukesha counties. To donate your time, please visit our Volunteer page. Financial donations can be made online through our secure contribution site.You can also support the Red Cross online by becoming a fan on our facebook page and following us on Twitter.