The janitor Julián García has become a local hero among the residents of one of the two buildings that burned last Thursday in the Campanar neighborhood. When the flames and smoke began to flood the entire block, he alerted many of those present to flee their homes and seek safety.
Because of his quick thinking and fearless actions, a number of people affected by the Valencia incident are asking for recognition for Julián. Among them is David, who says that he would like to highlight Julián’s role, explaining that he went door to door to warn everyone, fully aware that he was risking his own life. He adds that many neighbors share the same wish for official acknowledgment of this heroic act. “We all believe and want him to be recognized”, David notes.
Julián is not the only one seeking formal recognition. Israel, another person who suffered losses in the fire, also described Julián as heroic and believes he should be acknowledged at an institutional level.
“He came without hesitation to warn us”, some affected residents confirm. When questioned by those affected, everyone agrees on honoring Julián for his selfless work. One resident, who lived on the fourth floor, recalls seeing a curtain of smoke, running downstairs to warn Julián. Without thinking, Julián rushed to inform the neighbors, a move that many describe as life-saving. The woman adds that it feels natural for neighbors to want formal recognition because he acted with immense courage. He could have left when the danger intensified, but he chose to warn the others. Many lives were saved thanks to him, and he will always be considered a hero by those who survived and by the community that owes him a debt of gratitude.
Catalin Stefan, who also lost his home and his memories in the blaze, notes that although many neighbors did not know one another well, Julián did not hesitate to put himself at risk. “We want him to receive recognition because he warned every neighbor”, he says. In Stefan’s household, which included the building administrator, there were efforts to reach everyone in the building. Julián went from door to door, and many owe him their lives. The community agrees that recovery will be slow and difficult, but the shared sentiment is that they can at least feel grateful that they are alive and able to recount the events that unfolded that day.