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Throughout the week, our ACC Team searches through emails and news articles looking for someone who deserves to be the Kidde Hero of the Week…
Jaimie Gerlach out of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, reached out to us to nominate her hero. She writes:
Dear Kix,
I would like to honor my late brother, Perry (PJ) Ratcliff, Jr. Earlier this month, he was out on the water kayaking with about 14 other people when suddenly several of the kayakers got stuck in an undertow.
My brother came to their rescue, saving his buddy and his buddy’s girlfriend, but he saw one more person having trouble, so he went back. He was able to get that person out of the undertow but he wound up getting caught and it was too strong for him. We lost him that day.
My brother was so selfless. He was amazing! He lived his life as he chose! He was funny, and often times a real wise guy, trying to always make everyone laugh. He was there for us all and this has been just devastating to all of us. He is a true hero.
Signed,
Jaimie
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Suzanne’s Response:
Well, Jaimie, thank you so much for writing in.
And, what a hero to do what he did. He sounds like the kind of guy who just didn’t hesitate when he saw someone in trouble. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know he’s survived by a very large family that includes his dog Loda. My condolences to your entire family.
Perry (PJ) Ratcliffe Jr, our Kidde Hero of the Week.
Nominate a Hero of the Week
Now, we want to know who has made a difference in your life. Nominate a local firefighter, police officer, EMT or someone who is serving our country in the military. It could even be a neighbor, family member or friend who lent a crucial helping hand. Let us know all about the person who you feel is a real life hero by emailing us here and please feel free to send us a picture!