AUBURN - When 15-year-old Mitchell Proulx reacted to a small splash he heard, he had no idea the ripple effect of gratitude that would come his way as a result of his actions.

On Wednesday, Proulx and eight other members of the community were honored for extraordinary heroic efforts during the Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross's eighth annual Real Heroes Luncheon, at Auburn's Holiday Inn.

Proulx was humble after he received his award from the American Red Cross and commendations from Auburn Mayor Tim Lattimore and Cayuga County Sheriff David Gould.

“I would like to think that I just did what anyone else would have,” said Proulx, after he explained how he saved the life of his 2-year-old cousin Troy after he fell into a pond.

At an event honoring heroes, modesty and recognition took center stage. When Dr. James Ciaccio received his award for saving the life of Bob Miller, who came to the Auburn Memorial Hospital emergency room in cardiac arrest, he stressed that although he greatly accepted the award, he could only accept it on behalf of the staff that assisted him that day.

“If it were not for the nurse who noticed his condition was very bad when he came in, or the nurse who administered intravenous drugs, or the countless other staff members who assisted me that day, it may not have ended up this way. It is a team, and I accept this award on behalf of the great department that I work with,” Ciaccio said.

Dan Cummings of News Channel 9 emceed the ceremony and relayed the valiant stories that brought more than 100 people to their feet in applause for the everyday people who had taken amazing steps to save lives.

“America has been a place of action and compassion. That spirit is captured right here, in my hometown of Cayuga County, and I couldn't be more proud of a reason to be back home, it makes me so happy,” Cummings said.

Another person who was happy to be at the luncheon on Wednesday was Elsie Todd. She and her husband, Thomas, were rescued from their burning car from three passersby last May.

“If it wasn't for Joe and Karen Philip and Brian Meyers, I simply would not be here, they saved our lives and put their own lives in danger while doing so. I can't thank them enough,” Todd said.

The other heroes recognized during the luncheon were Bonnie Staples and Daniel Miller, who instructed first aid to the employees of Buckeye Pipeline. Their efforts subsequently led to an employee saving his toddler son from drowning by administering CPR that he learned from their classes. Dr. David Locastro and RN Ellie Kelly were also deemed Real Heroes for performing CPR on a patron at Lasca's Restaurant.

“So many people today, especially our youth, look up to professional athletes, or celebrities as heroes,” Gould said. “Those people are not heroes, they are very talented. The people here today are true heroes, the ordinary, everyday people who simply take action and help. As a community, we are lucky to have so many courageous people - so many heroes in our backyards.”