GCI’s RJ Gallegos Honored at Red Cross Real Heroes Breakfast

ANCHORAGE—GCI Field Technician RJ Gallegos was honored earlier this week by the American Red Cross of Alaska at the 20th Annual Real Heroes Breakfast. Gallegos was nominated for the award for his life-saving efforts in July 2018 while responding to a request to resolve a cable TV issue.

While working inside a customer’s home, Gallegos realized a man lying on a nearby couch was not breathing. Gallegos quickly began performing chest compressions on the man while waiting for emergency responders to arrive on scene. After the patient was safely in the hands of EMTs and on his way to the hospital, Gallegos continued with his work day and went on to the next customer on his list.

“I typically work with GCI’s business customers, but on that day I happened to have openings in my schedule, so I picked up a couple residential tickets to help out,” Gallegos said. “I’m fortunate to work at a place like GCI that emphasizes workplace safety, so I was up-to-date on my CPR training. It was really just a case of being in the right place at the right time.”

Gallegos was recognized at the breakfast as the Red Cross of Alaska’s Workplace/Slope Safety Hero.

The Real Heroes Breakfast honors individuals and organizations for acts of heroism throughout Alaska. These everyday heroes are nominated each year by fellow Alaskans for exceptional acts of bravery, quick-thinking, selflessness, and skill.

Nearly 500 guests attended the event, paying tribute to more than 20 heroes in 10 categories. For more information about this year’s honorees, visit: https://www.redcross.org/local/alaska/about-us/news-and-events/news/20th-annual-real-heroes-breakfast-.html.