DETROIT – Detroit firefighters were recognized Friday for their quick thinking and teamwork in rescuing an elderly man from a house fire on the city’s west side.
You can hear from the Detroit Fire Department, the man who was rescued, and his family in the video at the top of this article.
The fire happened just before 8 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, at a home on Wisconsin Street in Detroit.
Several units responded, and the first crew that arrived, Engine 30, was met with fire heavy in the rear of the house, according to Detroit Fire Department Executive Fire Commissioner Charles Simms.
Previous Coverage: Quick-acting firefighters rescue elderly man trapped inside house fire on Detroit’s west side
Firefighters made entry through the rear of the home to begin fire suppression in coordination with Engine 40.
At the same time, Ladder 17 conducted essential truck operations, including placing egress ladders, securing utilities, and assisting with searches, according to Simms.
Squad 5 and Engine 53 entered the home through the front door.
Firefighters began searching for the trapped resident in heavy smoke conditions.
A firefighter heard the man gasping for air, which helped him locate the man in the near-blackout conditions.
Squad 5 helped carry the man to safety. Medic 10 administered aid and transported the man to a local hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
“The swift, coordinated and professional actions of all the members involved directly resulted in a life saved,” Simms said. “Their unwavering commitment to duty, exceptional teamwork and courageous performance under challenging conditions exemplify the highest standards of the Detroit Fire Department.”
Each member of the responding crews was formally recognized for their actions in rescuing the resident.
The man’s daughters and other family members were at the event, and one spoke and thanked each unit for their swift actions.
”We lost our family home of over 50 years, but without your dedication to the community, we might not be celebrating our dad’s life today,“ one daughter said. ”Your service is a shining example of bravery and selflessness.”
Mr. Johnson, the resident who was saved, couldn’t be at the event, but sent a video thanking the firefighters for their work.
“I can’t walk, and the fire was too much for me to handle,” Johnson said. “I called the fire department, and shortly after, they came and rescued me. ” I thought I was a goner for a minute...but he came in and he found me in the smoke.”
“I’m glad to be alive, thank you again,” Johnson said.
A GoFundMe was created to assist the elderly man.
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