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Red Cross to Recognize Heroism of Two YMCA Employees

Melissa Pettit and Richard Donaldson earn Certificate of Merit

OMAHA, August 6, 2025 — The Omaha-Council Bluffs Metro chapter of the American Red Cross recognized Melissa Pettit and Richard Donaldson from the Charles E. Lakin YMCA of Council Bluffs, Iowa with the Certificate of Merit Lifesaving Award on August 6 for their heroic actions in saving a life.

A group of people posing for a shot with 2 Red Cross award winners

Pettit, a YMCA instructor, and Richard Donaldson, a YMCA membership representative took immediate action when a woman was found unresponsive in her vehicle in the YMCA parking lot on July 10th, 2024. Pettit and Donaldson were able to gently remove the woman from her vehicle and place her gently on the ground. Donaldson administered CPR while Pettit counted out compressions and breaths. Both are trained in American Red Cross child and adult CPR and AED use. The two continued until local EMS arrived. Pettit and Donaldson were presented with the award for their quick action that saved a life.

“We are incredibly proud of Melissa and Richard for their quick action and lifesaving use of CPR,” said Rebecca Deterding, YMCA of Greater Omaha’s President and CEO. “At the YMCA, safety is always a top priority, and it’s an honor to recognize their heroic response in a moment that truly mattered.”

“The YMCA is vital to the health and safety of our community,” said Jill Orton, Region CEO, Nebraska-Iowa Red Cross. “We are proud to recognize the heroism of Melissa Pettit and Richard Donaldson. Every second counts in an emergency. Their actions demonstrate the importance of learning CPR.”

 

Earlier this summer, the American Red Cross recognized the YMCA of Greater Omaha as a 2024 Top Provider Award recipient, marking the sixth consecutive year the Y has earned this prestigious honor. This award recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in delivering Red Cross health and safety training programs.

The American Red Cross encourages everyone to learn first aid, CPR and how to use an AED, so they’ll have the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency and help save lives. For more information on classes offered, visit redcross.org.