The American Red Cross of Long Island recognized local heroes for their contributions to the community Friday night at a ceremony at Eisenhower Park.

"Our volunteers are your neighbors, your teachers, your colleagues," said Neela Lockel, the group's chief executive. "They're the people that you see every day who are going out doing amazing things."

There are more than 1,000 Red Cross volunteers on Long Island. The Heroes Among Us Gala honored those of them who helped out both here and abroad.

John Ash, a retired Nassau County detective, was one of the honorees. He volunteered locally in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy and has also traveled overseas to help victims of disasters both large and small abroad.

But he was humble in accepting the recognition.

"The heroes are the guys who are still out there doing their thing -- the firemen, the cops, the detectives," he said. "It's an honor to be called that, but of course I'm going to deny it."