80-Year-Old Hero Who Saved Neighbors from Fire 17 Years Ago, Now Saves Driver from Sinking Car

heroic 80-year-old grandfather saved three people first responder

By Veronica Chan , Parent Herald Oct 13, 11:00 pm

A heroic 80-year-old grandfather has saved three people's lives like a first responder. He just acted out what he thinks is right and does not think that he is a hero.

Steve Montelongo told KOVR that he was "just a fella" that was at the right place at the right time. NBC affiliate KCRA reported that the California hero jumped into action last to help pull a man from his car after he had accidentally driven into a canal.

The 80-year-old said that on Thursday, he was going home with his granddaughter from the dentist. At about ten in the morning, the duo had stopped at a traffic light. The granddaughter told her grandpa that a car just went into the canal.

Grandpa Immediately Jumps Into Action

The Modesto Bee reported that Montelongo pulled over to check out what happened. Immediately, he leaped into action as the water had begun filling the car, and he saw the trapped driver inside.

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He said that no one was trying to save the man trapped inside the car, so he went to the canal that he believes is about ten feet. He had managed to open the door, and he thanked God that it was unlocked.

However, water rushed in faster after he pulled the door open. According to KOVR, Montelongo was able to yank the driver that was panicking by his shirt out from the car. The driver was Jack Swarts, 62, as identified by the California Highway Patrol.

The "Bee" reported that before he crashed into the canal, the driver suffered an apparent medical episode. He was taken to the hospital even though he was not injured.

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History of Heroism

The incident was not the first time Montelongo has helped people in need. He got awarded the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission medal in 2003. It was after he rescued his elderly neighbors from their blazing house after a natural gas leak and explosion.

Montelongo was 62 years old and was a retired construction worker at that time. According to the Commission, he had saved 80-year-old Kathirne Mattox by kicking the front door of her burning house.

He recalled the incident to KCRA and explained that he ran over to see what was going on after hearing the explosion. At first, he thought it was his house, but it was his neighbor's. He ran over and tried to open the door because his son could not open it.

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Unfortunate Aftermath

Montelongo pulled the lady out after kicking the inside door. He went back in to save Wayne Maxwell, 79. During the rescue, the grandpa suffered chest pains and got hospitalized. Thankfully, he recovered safely.

California Highway Patrol's Tom Olsen praised Montelongo's quick thinking. He told KOVR that the heroic grandfather could add into his resume the title "first responder." Olsen explained that while many people are in the right place at the right time, Montelongo was only a few who would selflessly help others.