Contest to Pay Tribute to Callers’ Good Deeds

Adults who have used a cellular phone to perform a meritorious deed in the past year are eligible to enter a contest sponsored by a Southern California wireless phone-service provider.

Anyone 18 or older who used a cell phone to aid a person or animal in distress or report an emergency situation or crime in progress may enter AirTouch Cellular’s Wireless Heroes contest by July 31, said Melissa May, a company spokeswoman.

The contest kicks off AirTouch’s 1998 Wireless Heroes Program, a community awareness program established six years ago that emphasizes the use of wireless communication devices as a potential safety and security tool, May said.

“It’s a chance for heroes to let us know what their stories are,” May said. “In many of those stories, people’s lives have been changed.”

One winner and 20 finalists will be chosen, based on the most compelling use of wireless phones, she added. The winner will receive a digital phone and 12 months of free service. Runners-up will be awarded free air-time certificates.

For more information on the program or contest, call the Wireless Heroes hotline at (949) 222-7268 or visit the Web site at www.airtouch.com/la.