Hometown Heroes

Last August, there was a disturbance in the Force.

A car slammed into an apartment building along Zinfandel Drive, sparking a fire that threatened the lives of young children and others inside.

It was a good thing a couple of Hometown Heroes lived next door.

It all started when a driver, speeding away from police during a stop, crashed into an apartment complex, causing the building to explode in fire.

Seventeen year-old Ulices Buenrostro and his brother Moises jumped into action when they heard the screaming of young children coming from the burning building.

Ulicies wasted no time, rushing in and pulling two young children, bleeding from the neck and head, to safety.

Though police called off the high-speed chase and the suspects sped off, they didn’t get far.

That’s because big brother Moises chased them down.

In the aftermath, several families – including the Buenrostros – were burned out of their homes, but thanks to quick action, there were no lasting serious injuries. And the bad guys? Thanks to Moises, they were apprehended. Police found methamphetamines on the driver, which may explain why he spun his tires and ran the red light. They were hauled off to jail.

The bashful brothers told news media and others that they didn’t really have time to think about what they were doing. They just acted on their instincts.

Most people wonder what they would do if placed into a life or death situation. Most of us like to think we would do the courageous thing. Put to the test, Moises and Ulicies actually know.

Ulicies put it this way when interviewed after the incident.

The Community Volunteer Awards does not give out a Hometown Hero award every year, because they are rare.  

But on Aug. 4, two Rancho Cordovans showed uncommon bravery that needs to be recognized. It has already been acknowledged by the City of Rancho Cordova, and the two had their brief moment in the sun as heroes during news reports surrounding that fateful day.

Tonight, your fellow citizens salute you. Because it is people like you who make this a better place to live.

By the way, Ulicies is an alumni of the MACH program, which was honored here earlier tonight.

In nominating the Buenrostro brothers for this award, Conrade Mayer could not hide his pride in how it all turned out.

Conrade said this:

Life can be surprising, that’s for sure.

Ulicies and Moises, we know this is not something you planned. But when the moment to prove yourselves arose, you put the needs of others before your personal safety and risked your own lives for others. Your community is grateful and proud of you. Congratulations!