KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The American Red Cross of the California Northwest is proud to present the New Volunteer of Year Award to Dennis Smith of Lakeport.

Smith first joined the Red Cross after Hurricane Katrina more than 10 years ago. He served with the Red Cross of Lake County for almost two years and then drifted away.

This past fall, he returned to the Red Cross during the Valley fire as an event-based volunteer. He worked for 10 days to help at the client service center greeting impacted residents and helping them complete their paperwork.

In the few short months since Smith rejoined the Red Cross, he has become an invaluable member of the Lake County team. He has exemplified the meaning of serving the mission – always ready to respond to a local disaster call, to take needed training, or move and repack shelter trailers.

“I really enjoy working with the Red Cross and the people in Red Cross that are so positive in their outlook on life,” said Smith. “As a retired firefighter, when the Valley fire hit so close to home I had to step up once again. I just showed up at the client service center and asked what I could do. Red Cross put me to work right away, and I immediately felt at home working with Red Cross volunteers. The feeling of giving back to our community was awesome, and since I am retired, I knew the direction I wanted my life to go. Red Cross is truly a remarkable organization."

Other outstanding volunteers and several community partners were honored at the Volunteer Awards and Recognition Event on June 18 at the Riviera Hills Country Club in Kelseyville include:

• Disaster Cycle Services, Outstanding Support: Jeff Plank of Upper Lake and Gloria Eisenman of Lucerne.

• Disaster Cycle Service, Extraordinary Commitment and Dedication: Jim Plank of Kelseyville.

• Disaster Cycle Service, Exceptional Response Award: Deborah Smith of Kelseyville.

• Good Neighbor and Partnership Award: Jennifer Fitts of Lake County Social Services, Grace Evangelical Church, Hidden Valley Lake Association, Highlands Senior Center, Kelseyville High School, Middletown High School and Twin Pine Casino and Hotel.