4 Heroes Get Their Own Hollywood Stars

It was one of those crazy, impossible dreams that star-struck visitors sometimes conjure up when they see Hollywood for the first time.

Fidel Elizarraraz had just immigrated from Mexico days before, his eyes dazzled with that faraway look as he ambled down the Walk of Fame.

“One day, I’m going to have my own star here in Hollywood,” he thought to himself.

That was 10 years ago, Elizarraraz said. On Thursday, the sewing machine operator’s far-fetched wish came true, in a way, as he and three co-workers--Rutilia Lopez, David Lopez (no relation) and Enrique Lool--were honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with plaques replicating the famed pink stars for their heroism in saving another colleague, Maria Luisa Rosales, from a knife-wielding man in November.

“They have set an example for citizen involvement,” said Leron Gubler, the chamber’s executive director. “In this case, they probably saved this woman’s life.”

On their way to work Nov. 16, the four captured the man who had stabbed Rosales, and turned him over to the police. The suspect, Brandon Wilson, was later accused in the gruesome killing of a 9-year-old boy in an Oceanside bathroom days earlier. Last week, Wilson pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the Oceanside slaying.

In addition to the commemorative stars, chamber officials also presented the heroes with T-shirts from the Hard Rock Cafe and gift certificates from the House of Blues and the Church of Scientology.

The four said they were grateful and amazed by the response to what they considered an ordinary, instinctive act of saving another human’s life.

“I never thought it would come to this,” Lool said. “I want to say, ‘thank you, thank you, for everything.’ ”

Lool added that he was especially grateful to David Young, owner of the Hollywood swimsuit factory where they work. Young has given them cash gifts for their bravery and paid time off for media interviews and a public commendation by Police Chief Bernard C. Parks, Lool said.

Grinning, the men showed off new belts, which were gifts from Young. After subduing the suspect, Elizarraraz bound the man’s wrists with his leather belt, which authorities have kept as evidence. The woman had received a glass box from Young.

“They did something extraordinary and out of character for society today,” said David Templeton, co-chairman of the chamber’s public safety committee.

“They came to [Rosales’] aid and rescue. Normally people would fear for their own lives and be hesitant.”