Heroes do not always wear a red cape. Nor do they always save the world from destruction. What heroes do is step outside their comfort zone and in times of eminent need, do what needs to be done. We have that hero right here in our midst.

On the night of November 30, 2022, patrons were enjoying a lovely dinner at Red Cork Bistro, a popular neighborhood eatery in Mukilteo. Some time during that evening, wait staff rushed back to the kitchen to notify owner and executive chef Adrian Ramirez, that a woman in the dining room was choking.
Disbelieving but on the move, Adrian rushed to the front area of the restaurant to find a patron indeed, choking. A gentleman nearby was attempting the Heimlich maneuver, a first aid procedure used to treat upper airway obstructions or choking, by foreign objects. Unfortunately, at the time of his arrival into the dining room, the patron was not responding. Adrian asked if he could render assistance and take over, and did so. In the end, the Heimlich maneuver proved successful and the patron is alive today as a result of his quick and effective rendering of the procedure.
This is not a story that has been widely told, certainly not by Adrian, who humbly noted, “…saving a life is… just another day in the life, right?! It’s just part of what anyone would do.”
Adrian was surprised recently during a Mukilteo Kiwanis club meeting, of which Adrian is a proud member, when he was awarded the Everyday Hero Award by board member, Pam Taylor. The actions of November 22, 2022 clearly exemplify the behavior and characteristics that club members aspire to. It was a privilege to present this award to one of our own.
However, the Everyday Hero Award may be presented to any person in Mukilteo who steps above and beyond, steps out of their comfort zone and does what needs to be done. If you know of someone who might be an Everyday Hero, visit: mukilteokiwanis.org and contact our club with details. We would be happy to honor and recognize a community member in this way.