Great Neck resident and Great Neck Alert firefighter Richard Deem received the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit for using Red Cross training skills to save his grandfather’s life.

The Certificate of Merit is the highest award given by the Red Cross to individuals who save or sustain a life using skills learned in a Red Cross Training Services course.

The certificate bears the signature of the President of the United States, who is the honorary chairman of the American Red Cross, and the signature of the chairman of the American Red Cross.

One day while at home with his grandparents, Deem’s grandfather, Ray Phillips, was attempting to swallow a pill when it became lodged in his throat, blocking his airway. His grandmother, Theresa, yelled for Deem, who came running down the stairs.

Deem’s quick thinking and recall of his first aid and choking training instantly kicked in and he swiftly rendered the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging the pill and ultimately saving his grandfather’s life.

The award presentation took place at the Great Neck Alert Fire Company headquarters.

Deem was also the recipient of the Jonathan Ielpi 9/11 Memorial Scholarship, presented by the Great Neck Vigilant Fire Company and members of the Ielpi family.

The Jonathan Ielpi Scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who embody Jonathan’s passion to give back to the community.

Deem joined the Great Neck Alert Fire Company in February 2023 as a volunteer firefighter. Prior to that,Deem had been a member of the Alert Junior Firefighters program where he served as 1st Lieutenant in 2021 and then Captain in 2022.

Deem graduated from Kellenberg Memorial High School in June and is currently a freshman at the University of Alabama majoring in Aerospace Engineering.