WESTPORT - The American Red Cross Thursday recognized heroes of the past year, including eight from the area, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Michael Kifowit and Attleboro Council on Aging Director Madeleine McNeilly, both of Attleboro, received the Humanitarian Adult award; Linda Alger of Attleboro, the Community Partner award; Attleboro Firefighter David Ventura, the Fire Safety award; Rehoboth Police Officer Jasson Ferreira, the Law Enforcement award; and Norton Fire Chief Richard Gomes, Attleboro Fire Chief Ronald Churchill, and North Attleboro Fire Chief Peter Lamb, the Spirit of the Red Cross award.

The eight were singled out for their accomplishments and commitment to communities at "A celebration of Real Heroes" awards ceremony held by the Massachusetts Bay South Coast Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. It marked the seventh such recognition.

Kifowit, a U.S. Marine, was singled out as an ordinary citizen who exemplifies the humanitarian principles of the Red Cross. In August of 2006, Kifowit saved the life of a woman who was trapped unconscious in a burning car that had crashed on Interstate 95 in Pawtucket. He was forced to pull out the driver's side window to revive the woman, who panicked when both realized her leg was caught and flames and heat were filling the vehicle. Using all his strength, Kifowit was able to free the victim just before the car was fully engulfed. The victim suffered numerous broken bones. Kifowit was nominated by Churchill.

Alger was recognized for consistently demonstrating outstanding commitment and dedication to making a difference in her community. She is administrative assistant to the city council but also chairs Attleboro's Holiday Spirit Food Drive, has served as volunteer coordinator for the Balfour Riverwalk Tot Lot construction, and won two large grants for the public art at that park. Alger also chairs the Attleboro Fireworks Committee, is a member of the city's Bike Route Task Force, and serves on the board of directors of HEAT, which raises funds to provide heat for needy families. She also helped young women who could not afford prom gowns and advocates for the visually impaired. Alger was nominated by former Attleboro City Council member Carolyn Tedino, Churchill and Police Chief Richard Pierce. "She is everything that is good and decent," Tedino wrote. "She is truly what a public servant should be - always giving and never taking."

McNeilly, a registered nurse, has established an emergency plan for Attleboro's elderly. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the threat of the dam collapse in Taunton, McNeilly led a collaboration of individuals and organizations to provide a "safe haven for frail elders." She was awarded a number of grants that she used to stockpile a supply of cots, blankets, emergency kits and food. She also developed a plan with an assisted living facility to provide a temporary shelter. McNeilly was nominated by Melissa Tucker.Ventura was recognized for rescuing people from a fire in February of last year. While walking in the neighborhood on his day off, Ventura noticed heavy smoke coming from an apartment building at South Main and Tiffany streets. He and a female passerby ran inside and began alerting occupants. Ventura ran up front and back stairwells to the second and third floors to warn people. He led a woman and her 5-year-old son from the third floor to safety.

"Off-duty Firefighter Ventura's selfless and calm response saved several lives that day," it was mentioned at the ceremony. Ventura was nominated by Churchill.Ferreira was honored for exceeding expectations of his job when he entered woods three times last October to look for a man who threatened to kill himself. The man had ingested a large amount of alcohol and two bottles of prescription drugs. When the man was found, Ferreira helped carry him out of the woods. It was just one of many instances Ferreira has exhibited his leadership, compassion and commitment. He was nominated by Rehoboth Police Chief Norman Miranda.

The three area fire chiefs were recognized for leading the planning for large-scale emergencies in their region, specifically for pandemics. The efforts have included public education and involving everyone from other public officials to nurses and hospital officials. They've made emergency plans for the area's most vulnerable, including the elderly. The chiefs have also sought grants and other funding sources to buy tools and materials. And they have scheduled Red Cross training for school nurses. The chiefs were nominated by Valerie Hickey.

Churchill and Pierce served on the awards committee.