Arcadia's 'John Shear Day' Honors Sierra Madre Hero

Arcadia's City Council honored 90-year old hero and Sierra Madre resident John Shear Tuesday night in a short ceremony for his actions to save a young girl from a runaway horse at Santa Anita racetrack in March.

declared June 7 “John Shear Day” in Arcadia as a dedication to the long-time employee of Santa Anita Park, .

Shear sustained serious injuries as a result, including internal bleeding and broken bones, but his swift recovery has amazed friends and family. Shear has stated on his Facebook page that he plans to be back at work for the start of Santa Anita's Autumn meet in late September.

“John Shear is a fiercely loyal and extremely generous person, loves the horses and racetracks and is popular with track employees and fans alike,” Kovacic said. “In recognition of this special day we salute and thank Mr. Shear for his brave act of heroism in protecting the life of a child as well as for his 50 years of outstanding dedicated service to Santa Anita Park and the City of Arcadia.”

Shear was also met on stage by George Haines, the president of Santa Anita Park.

“We are so proud of you at Santa Anita. It is not unexpected what you did because you have always been a hero to us,” Haines said.

Shear, very modestly, approached the Mayor to accept his award with the assistance of a cane.

“I would like to thank all the Council Members for this prestigious award,” he said. “Being a resident, my wife and I, of Arcadia for 27 years and being born in Arcadia, going through the school system there and getting my job there in ’61, I loved it then and love it now. Thank you very much.”

Shear's wife Diane and many of his close friends were in attendance to watch the brave hero receive his award.

Shear, at one point in his life had dreams of becoming a jockey, but after suffering injuries during World War II, was unable to reach that goal. He will have to settle for hero and lifesaver instead. Shear, a resident of Sierra Madre, was also elected as the.