Lake County man hailed as a hero for risking his life to save another

Hot and humid weather is a challenge these days for Carl Painter as he tends to his job as maintenance supervisor at the Beach Haven Towers senior living center in Round Lake Beach.

The 58-year-old Lake Villa resident has about 85 percent of his lung capacity and some lingering bumps and bruises as he recovers from his heroic actions on May 21.

That was the day Painter was overcome by toxic smoke as he rescued an elderly woman from her burning apartment at Beach Haven Towers. Hours later, he slipped into a coma.

"It was pitch black with smoke when I entered the apartment and found her on the ground," he recalled. "In the ambulance it felt like I had swallowed a bucket of sand."

A ventilator kept Painter alive as family and friends kept vigil over his bedside. Three days later, he awoke to find himself surrounded by three young grandchildren.

"Right away my grandson asked me if I had felt a hand touch mine while I was under," he recalled. "He told me that it had been God's helper. A priest had visited because they didn't think I was going to make it."

Since then, Painter has been recognized by the village of Round Lake Beach, and he is a hero to the people who live at Beach Haven Towers. One resident recently asked him for an autograph.

"He knew the dangers of entering that room without any equipment and he decided to put his life on the line for someone else," said Round Lake Beach Mayor Rich Hill. "We are so very proud of him - a true hero."

The 18-year Lake County Housing Authority employee returned to work just three weeks later, but his recovery has not been easy.

"If there were more people with his heart and goodwill, I couldn't even imagine what a great place our world would be," said his son, Carl Painter Jr. "He is a perfect example of the good that exists in humanity."

The senior Painter says the cyanide and carbon monoxide poisoning, scorched lungs and a swollen throat are a small price to pay for the preservation of a human life.

"I try to live every day to the fullest," Painter said. "Give a hug and a kiss to your family every time you leave the house because you never know what the day will bring."