Rutherford County, TN – March 5th marked the 12th annual Red Cross event for recognition and awareness. The American Red Cross Heart of Tennessee Chapter awarded this year's honorees, which included former Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess and retired MTSU professor Mary Nichols.

Burgess was honored by local businessmen and community members for his extraordinary legacy that he imprinted on Rutherford County. The former mayor and retired NHC executive, had this to say to the crowd... Burgess was the Mayor of Rutherford County for 12-years. Between 2006 and 2012, he lead the community through a major period of growth. 

Mary Nichols was named as the local Red Cross Volunteer of the year at the event held this past Tuesday. Nichols highlighted the importance on finding purpose in life...Nichols volunteers locally for flooding and tornado events and also in regional and national disasters for hurricanes, fire, repatriation and flooding.