Two farm workers, Angel Zarco and Carlos Perea Romero, were returning from work on the rural roads of Madera County when they noticed smoke coming out of the back of a school bus full of children heading to class. Even before the driver realized the danger, the two men had already decided to intervene.
Zarco and Perea stopped their vehicle and rushed towards the bus, opening the doors and helping the little passengers to safety. Moments later, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. “We were just worried about the kids getting far enough away so they wouldn’t get hurt” said Zarco, recalling those excited moments.
Recognition from the County
Madera County Council paid tribute to the two men, calling them an example of “public service, compassion and community spirit at the highest levels”. None of the twenty students on board were injured, thanks to the speed and calm with which the two laborers handled the emergency.
During the ceremony, fire division chief Larry Pendarvis recalled that “buses can be replaced, lives cannot” Sheriff Tyson Pogue also expressed the gratitude of the entire community, underlining how the actions of the two men represent “the best of Madera County”.
The fire caused by a mechanical failure
According to Perea, it was not a simple case but a divine intervention that meant that they were at that crossroads at that very moment. For him, however, it was equally emotional to see the sight of his daughter in the audience during the awards ceremony. A moment that defined “one of the best of my life”.
Fire brigade investigations established that the fire was caused by a mechanical failure. The bus was completely destroyed, but no one was hurt thanks to a simple gesture and the silent courage of two anonymous laborers who turned into heroes for a day.
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