Heroes Save 20 Children

MADERA, Calif. — Two farmworkers, Carlos Perea Romero and Angel Zarco,

are being hailed as heroes after rescuing 20 children from a burning school bus on September 4.

Quick Action Prevents Tragedy

Perea saw smoke coming from the bus and, with Zarco, rushed to help.

“We were just making sure the kids were far away enough so that they wouldn’t get hurt,” Zarco said. Moments later, “the bus caught fire right away… within like two minutes.”

Honored for Bravery

The Madera County Board of Supervisors recognized the men for “selfless courage and bravery.”

Perea said, “God put you in that place for a reason… to help out the kids.”

Community Gratitude

CAL FIRE’s Larry Pendarvis reminded, “Buses can be replaced, humans can’t.”

Sheriff Tyson Pogue added, “Their quick thinking, bravery, and compassion… exemplify the very best of Madera County.