MADERA, Calif. — A potential nightmare for a group of California parents was prevented by a pair of unexpected heroes.
On Tuesday, the brave men responsible for saving the lives of 20 school children were honored by the Madera County Board of Supervisors and others.
Carlos Perea Romero and Angel Zarco were honored by the Madera County Board of Supervisors in a ceremony after they courageously evacuated the flaming bus filled with students on the way to school on Sept. 4.
“All the students made it out safely without any injuries due to the immediate action taken by the farmworkers and the bus driver. The Board of Supervisors recognize the two men for their selfless courage and bravery, demonstrating the highest ideals of public service, compassion and community spirit,” a press release from the ceremony reads.
September 4 started as a typical workday for Perea and Zarco, until Perea noticed smoke coming from a Madera Unified school bus.
Without a second thought, the pair jumped into action.
“We were just making sure the kids were far away enough so that they wouldn’t get hurt,” Zarco said.
“One more moment that would have lasted, I don’t now what would have happened,” Romero said in a post from Madera County.+
Zarco added, “I’m just happy to help out the community. This is where I grew up, and I’m just glad to be able to keep somebody safe.”
They alerted the driver and began evacuating the students inside, working through thick plumes of smoke to get to the students in the back row.
Moments later, the bus was quickly covered in roaring flames.
“The bus caught fire right away, probably within like two minutes, three minutes. It all happened right away,” Zarco added.
The two men met at the intersection to fix a broken tractor, but Perea is now saying it was no coincidence.
“God put you in that place for a reason. It was to help out the kids, help out the community right there,” Perea said.
The bus was left charred and the bright yellow paint was reduced to an ashy grey.
CAL FIRE Division Chief Larry Pendarvis says he’s grateful for the men’s courageous choice.
“Buses can be replaced, humans can’t,” Pendarvis said.
Perea and Zarco will now forever be known as heroes in their hometown.
Perea’s daughter was also in attendance for the proclamation. He told us it means everything to be recognized for such an amazing act in front of her.
Madera County sheriff Tyson Pogue told ABC that Romero and Zarco’s actions helped protect the local community.
“We are profoundly grateful to the two farmworkers whose heroic actions saved the lives of more than 20 children. Their quick thinking, bravery, and compassion in the face of danger exemplify the very best of Madera County. Without hesitation, they acted selflessly to protect others. Our community is stronger because of individuals like them, and we are proud of their extraordinary heroism,” he said.