STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Officers kicked in the door of a burning Sterling Heights home to rescue a bleeding man and his three dogs from inside.
Firefighters and police officers were called around 2:40 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, to a home in the 38500 block of Trafalgar Way.
Officials said the fire started in the kitchen and “quickly engulfed” the home.
Officer Jesse Ingrum said he saw smoke billowing from the building when he arrived, and he could hear the homeowner trapped inside.
The man called for help and banged on the walls near the back of the home, officials said.
Police body cam footage shows Ingrum kicking in the back door. He found the homeowner disoriented, on the ground, and bleeding, he said.
The man was escorted from the home and handed over to firefighters for medical care.
While the homeowner was being rescued, officers found the man’s three dogs and removed them safely from the house.
“I commend my officers for their quick thinking and selflessness,” Sterling Heights police Chief Dale Dwojakowski said. “Their actions undoubtedly saved a man and his dogs' lives. They acted with courage and determination, putting their own safety at risk to protect others. I‘m proud of the officers’ heroic efforts and grateful that all involved were able to escape the incident safely.”
Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and prevent damage to surrounding homes.
