On Friday, Sept. 29, the American Red Cross San Diego/Imperial Counties chapter honored our former president Bill Trumpfheller at the 15th Annual Real Heroes Breakfast at the USS Midway Museum.

Bill was posthumously presented the inaugural Bill Trumpfheller Community Leadership Award, which was created in his honor and will be given to an individual or organization that has demonstrated excellence in community leadership and whose exceptional contributions have improved the safety, development and well-being of others or positively impacted the lives of those living in the region.

The award was presented to Bill’s wife Nola.

“It makes me feel proud that the award is being named after him,” Nola said. “It carries on his legacy for his family and for us, for all of us, and it allows people to maybe learn by his example.”

Bill joined Nuffer, Smith, Tucker in 1986 and became its president in 2000. He was named Public Relations Professional of the year by the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter. His many accolades include earning the Otto Bos Lifetime Achievement Award and the Eva Irving Award for Community Service from the local PRSA chapter.

A civic leader with a heart for service, Bill served on the boards of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Senior Community Centers, LEAD San Diego and the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Bill was many things: a loving family man with a larger-than-life personality, a visionary businessman, humanitarian, community leader, proud Aztec and long-time Red Cross Board Member.

Bill had an unmatched passion, love of life, and commitment to his community. His contributions to the City of San Diego and our lives are truly endless.

Bill passed away unexpectedly in December 2016 but his legacy lives on at NST and within the community.