A young 20-year-old man named Anthony Perry, at the 69th Street Red Line station in Chicago, risked his life to save another person’s. That made him nothing less than a lifesaver, but also started a wave of admirers and community support who wished to crown him a modern-day hero.
The accident occurred when a 32-year-old man, after being involved in an argument that soon became heated, fell onto the electrified third rail of the station’s track. He convulsed as he made contact with the high-voltage rail, lying helpless and unconscious for bystanders to behold in horror.
When Anthony Perry arrived at the station and began to see that tragedy unfold before his eyes, he did not hesitate. Leaping onto the tracks to get the man into safety was probably a hazardous task, but for him, risk was by far a lesser priority, considering saving that one man’s life. “I just thought to myself, if I don’t act now, this man might not make it,” Perry would recall much later.
Though he did suffer a minor electrical shock in the process, Perry was undeterred. Utilizing a passerby who had basic medical knowledge, whom he referred to as an “angel from God,” he performed CPR on the victim until rescuers arrived to take him away. The victim was taken to the University of Chicago Hospital to be treated for burns and abrasions. Thankfully, he was supposed to recover.
Footage of this very brave gesture by Perry also soon caught on social networks and won hearts of thousands. The others termed him as a gutsy hero as the lad put in perfect instances of selfless and courageous choices. A renowned influential philanthropist of Don’t Shoot Chicago I’m Telling made this statement: “it is indeed courage at its finest-the very moment Anthony started thinking of somebody other than his own self-thinking of the victim”.
Walker was so moved by Perry’s unselfishness that he bestowed upon the young hero the recognition he so rightly deserved. One of the more touching gestures was when Walker gave Perry a 2009 Audi A8 complete with a gasoline card to lessen his traveling headache. The well-appreciated ceremony occurred just north of Meyering Park in front of news media and members of the Chicago Police Department.
But for Perry, who had been using public transportation after his savings went into a faulty car, it was a life-changing present. “This car is more than transportation—it’s freedom,” Perry said. “I can now get to work and help my family without worrying about buses and trains.”
Walker said acts of kindness such as Perry’s should be recognized. “We need more people like Anthony in the world. People who act selflessly in the face of danger and inspire others to do the same,” he said.
Later in the same year, his heroism was again rewarded by being bestowed the prestigious Carnegie Hero Award. The grant for this award came with a sum of $5,000. The amount of money will be used to repair his car and aid his family, said Perry.
For Perry, the honour proved to be an immense humbling moment since he expressed very little excitement or pride at events. “I didn’t think twice about jumping in to help. It’s just what felt right,” he said.
Perry’s selflessness doesn’t stop at the tracks. He plans to join the Chicago Fire Department, continuing to work with those in need. “Saving lives-it’s something I feel called to do,” he said.
The Chicago Transit Authority described Perry as a hero and called his actions heroic, but he told that it is not the right way to reach home, as anyone might get hurt crossing over the tracks. The agency appreciated the act and said that even though they are appreciative of this action, “passengers are cautioned to notify CTA staff or call 911 in such incidents, as well as taking risks for saving victims from the tracks”.