American Red Cross Honors Community Members For Lifesaving Actions
Connie Steward and Timothy Clover were recognized for helping people in three emergencies, including a choking infant and a vehicle fire.
ST.LOUIS – The American Red Cross recognized two community members during a Nov. 10, 2026 ceremony for their extraordinary actions during three different emergencies. Through their courage, compassion and willingness to act when others needed help most, these individuals embodied the Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.
Connie Steward, Certificate of Merit
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On March 4, 2026, Steward, trained as an American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED instructor, was going about her day at her workplace in south county, when she heard a loud bang. Stepping out into the hallway, she saw her co-workers yelling if anybody knew CPR. Steward immediately sprang into action; she instructed a co-worker to call 911, checked for a pulse and conducted a head-to-toe assessment while stabilizing the woman’s head. Steward stayed by the woman’s side while she went in and out of consciousness, until EMS arrived at which point the woman began to become more alert.
The Certificate of Merit is the highest award given by the Red Cross to individuals who save or sustain a life using skills learned in a Red Cross Training Services course.
Timothy Clover, Certificate of Merit and Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action
Clover has mastered the art of being in the right place at the right time, earning him not one but two awards for two separate emergencies.
On November 23, 2023, Clover was at the Sunrise Pancake House in Millstadt, IL, when he saw a mother become distressed because her 8-month-old daughter was choking. Without hesitation, Clover jumped into action, giving the child back thrusts until her airway cleared.
For this act, Clover was awarded the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action.
On December 5, 2025, Clover came across a vehicle in a ravine off highway 255 in Cahokia Heights, IL, with smoke coming from the front. As he ran down through snow and ice, he yelled for the occupants to get out of the car. The male driver was able to exit as the vehicle became engulfed in flames but then collapsed. Clover pulled him away from the car and placed him in the recovery position. Once first responders arrived, Clover helped to place the man onto a backboard and onto the stretcher.
For this act, Clover was awarded the Certificate of Merit.
Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency and save a life. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session) and classroom courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass.
If you or someone you know has used skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course to help save or sustain the life of another individual, visit LifesavingAwards.org to nominate, recognize, or be inspired.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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