MONTICELLO – For Tyler Hill resident Michael Perez, November 4 was just an ordinary day until he drove past a man walking into a burning building—that’s when Perez jumped into action and saved a stranger’s life.

Speaking before the Sullivan County Legislature on Thursday, December 11, Monticello Fire Chief Jon Wells said, “It was actually a day when all the stars aligned and what could have been a horrible, tragic event turned out to be just a loss of property… We’re here today to recognize Mr. Perez for your valor, for your ethic that day to not step back or watch from the sidelines but to step in and do what was right.”

Roscoe/Rockland Fire Chief and Monticello Career Firefighter Nate Routledge reviewed the details of the incident as it unfolded. “On November 4th at 13:29 hours we were dispatched to a possible structure fire in the area of Gregory Road [at Sackett Lake Rd. in Monticello],” he said. “As Chief Wells already touched on, we had some on-duty members in the area preparing for some on-shift training. We were able to be on scene within five minutes.” 

Routledge then witnessed Mr. Perez carrying the 88-year old homeowner, Sandor Talas, out of the burning home over his shoulder in a “fireman’s carry” and placed him in the driveway where he was treated for smoke inhalation.

Routledge praised the courage he saw that day. “Mr. Perez stepped up, he entered that residence without the thousands of dollars worth of protective equipment that we have the luxury of showing up with,” he said. “That placed himself in harm’s way to potentially save a stranger’s life after seeing that gentleman reenter his burning home. That’s the true definition of heroism.” 

Routledge thanked all of the dedicated volunteers involved, noting that they saved two animals from the burning home. He then presented Perez with awards on behalf of the Monticello Fire Department and the Monticello Professional Firefighters Association.

Sandor’s daughter, Susie Talas, showered Perez with gratitude in the emotional ceremony. “I just personally want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything that you did, you saved my father, you saved my dog, they’re perfect, they’re fine,” she said. “We’re so incredibly grateful, thank you!”

In a moment of humility, Perez fought back tears as he thanked a higher power. “I just want to exalt God because he gave me the strength to do what I needed to do. It’s not me, it’s God who put me there,” he said. “The most important thing guys, give thanks to the Lord.”