Annie Gerhardt is a 6-year-old student at Ayer Elementary School in Cherry Grove. She was born in 1987 with the genetic disorder.

But Annie has been a gift and a blessing to her family and kids in her Anderson Township neighborhood, not letting the condition hamper her activities.

Chip Gerhardt, her father, said Annie would have a profound impact on the rest of the family. He said he thinks the other children will grow up to be better, more compassionate people as a result of Annie coming into their lives.

"That's the gift Annie has given us," he said. "Think about if you could impact someone like that, what a great thing."

Gerhardt is a board member of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati.

Annie's aunt, Sophie Helms, started Annie's Army last year and got 70 people to participate in the Buddy Walk.

The walk will be at Newport on the Levee. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. There is no fee. All participants are encouraged to collect donations.

The walk raises funds for the association's year-round programs and support services.

This year it is sponsored by Convergys Corp., LanVision, Federated Department Stores, Steinhauser Inc., American Financial Group, Midland and Newport on the Levee.

For information, call 761-5400 or visit the Web site; www.dsagc.com.

Nurse saved a life

Missy Arnold, a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital Anderson, will receive the American Red Cross Help Can't Wait award at noon Tuesday for her quick action in saving a 4-year-old from drowning.

The award presentation will be made during the Cincinnati Area Chapter's board meeting.

The incident was Aug. 17 during a Cub Scout welcoming party, when Jeremy Bernstein was swimming in the Anderson Township community pool.

Jeff Bernstein, Jeremy's father, said he turned away for a moment to talk with a friend and when he looked back he saw Jeremy floating face down.

"He usually likes to do the dead man's float, but this time I was in disbelief," Jeff Bernstein said.

After Bernstein rescued his son, Arnold gave CPR while someone called 911.

She said Jeremy began breathing after three minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Jeff and Pam Bernstein have made a donation to the American Red Cross-sponsored School Safety Partners Program. The program trains hundreds of local elementary, middle and high school students each year in health and safety skills, including CPR.

BEHIND THE BADGE: Child-support awareness

LEBANON - Warren County prosecutors and the Warren County Child Support Enforcement Agency will conduct "Child Support Awareness Days" Sept. 16 and 17 in the main lobby of the Warren County Courts Building, 500 Justice Drive in Lebanon, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.

Table displays will include resources and child-support staff will be available to anyone who has an active child-support case, or anyone who wants to know more about child-support in general. Staff members will answer questions and provide assistance. The goal of increasing awareness about the need for parents to be current on their child-support obligations will be stressed, officials said.

There will be balloons, free candy and a clown who will provide entertainment during the event.

"Child support is more than a bill a parent pays," Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel said. "It is a critical part of the life of many of our county's children. It makes sense for all of us to care that every child in our county is raised with the support they need to grow up to be a productive part of our community."

Veteran officers promoted

TRENTON - The police department in this Butler County city recently promoted two veteran officers.

Timothy Traud, 50, was promoted to police lieutenant. A member of the department since 1981, Traud will serve as the department's administrative officer and second in command. Lt. Traud in June graduated from the Police Executive Leadership College sponsored by the Law Enforcement Foundation in cooperation with the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police.

The Police Executive Leadership College is an intensive, three-week program designed to prepare first-line and command officers for leadership and administrative duties.

David Rosenfelder, 28, was promoted to police sergeant. He has been with the department since 1998. He will supervise patrol operations in his new role, Trenton Police Chief Rodney Hale said.