We'd like to recognize these community members, including one who has passed away, as our Heroes of 2012. Why do we think they're heroes? Read on-

John Thorington

John Thorington of Palm Harbor was visiting with a friend in the backyard of her Dunedin home when a car plunged into the water nearby.

Read the Story: Good Samaritan Rescues Driver in Intracoastal

Dan Isabelle

On Sept. 14, Dan Isabelle, 46, of Palm Harbor, and his son Daniel Jr., 13, were driving to the Westfield Countryside Mall when they saw a car plunge into a nearby pond.

Read the Story: Two Sinking Car Rescues by Palm Harbor Men, 7 Months Apart

Norbert Swierz

Norbert Swierz, 92, of Palm Harbor was a war hero whose planes were shot down twice. He escaped from a P.O.W. camp and was honored with multiple medals. 

Read the Story: WWII Hero To Be Buried at Arlington National Cemetery

Andrew Cariola

"All I thought was, 'This kid's gotta breathe,' " said Andrew Cariola, who performed CPR on a 4-year-old boy who was found at the bottom of the pool at the Cypress Falls at Palm Harbor condos.

Read the Story: Heroes Perform CPR on Boy, 4, Pulled from Bottom of Pool

Kamryn Finchum

Talk about a good deed! We're giving a humongous "Patch on the Back" to 9-year-old Kamryn Finchum, who convinced his neighbors to donate items for a garage sale to benefit breast cancer research in honor of his grandmother, who died from the disease.

Read the Story: 9-Year-Old Donates $1,071 from Garage Sale to Breast Cancer Charity

Dustin Seabolt

Veteran firefighter Dustin Seabolt was honored for his heroic efforts rescuing two people from life-threatening situations in Palm Harbor; a woman whose townhome had caught fire and a teen who was swept-up by Tropical Storm Debby's floodwaters.

Read the Story: Dustin Seabolt Named Palm Harbor Firefighter of the Year

• Know someone who you think should be recognized as a hero? Tell us about him or her in the comments section below!

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