Six citizens will be honored for their heroic acts during emergencies, and two individuals will be recognized for their dedication to Cayuga County residents' safety at a "Great Heroes" luncheon organized as a fund-raiser for the Cayuga County Red Cross chapter.

The master of ceremonies will be Cayuga County native Dan Cumming, the managing editor and anchor reporter for WIXT News Channel 9.

The heroes being honored include: James Causey, who is being honored in memoriam after being killed on I-90 during the Good Samaritan Act of retrieving a tire that had fallen off a truck; Steve Grennell, who is being honored for saving his daughter from choking based on his recent first aid training; Tina Kell, a Weedsport bus driver and Julie Soutar, mother, are being honored for extinguishing a fire caused by a vehicle accident, keeping a busload of children safe; Judy Rodriquez, a member of the Ira Fire Department, is being honored for saving a heart attack's person life with her CPR administration; and Ben Thurston is being honored for administering CPR to an 80-year-old man he saw was in need as he drove by.

Lon Fricano, the Rural Metro ambulance company head and a member of the Union Springs Fire Department, is being honored for his dedication to community safety.

Maxine Alberici is being honored for her Red Cross Blood Service by turning the faltering blood drive at Sacred Heart Church into a productive drive.

The luncheon will be held Wed., March 31 at 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on North Street, Auburn.

The buffet luncheon costs $10 per person.

Reservations are requested by March 24 by calling the chapter at 252-9596.

Musical entertainment will be provided by the Cayuga Chords.

Staff writer Amaris Elliott-Engel can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or at amaris.elliot-engel@lee.net